What could potentially be the largest crime prevention program in the Central Okanagan has kicked off on the westside of Okanagan Lake.
Business Watch is a partnership involving the RDCO Crime Prevention service and Greater Westside Board of Trade, City of West Kelowna, Westbank First Nation and RCMP. Greater Westside businesses interested in joining can get information at rdco.com/businesswatch.
Business Watch is modeled after the highly successful residential Block Watch and brings business owners and their employees together to be the eyes and ears in their community, to watch for and report any suspicious or criminal activity to each other and when required to the RCMP, while stepping up their safety and security measures.
Crime Prevention coordinator Roy Morgan says “The Business Watch program is specifically designed for businesses within the City of West Kelowna and Westbank First Nation. Businesses that register have the opportunity to utilize our specialized crime prevention expertise at no cost. We offer security assessments, target hardening tips and ongoing access to information to help employees and customers continue to feel safe and secure.”
Greater Westside Board of Trade President Craig Garries says, “When our members are challenged while doing business in any way, it is the job of the Board of Trade to advocate on their behalf to the city, the province or even at the federal level. It is also important that we encourage our members to work with each other, as a team, in order to build a positive and economically stable community. The Business Watch program has been in the works for a long time and we are very thrilled to be partnering with the city, Westbank First Nation, the RCMP and the RDCO on this initiative.”
RCMP Staff Sergeant Duncan Dixon adds, “The West Kelowna RCMP is looking forward to the roll out of this valuable initiative that will provide an opportunity to improve community safety and to connect the Police to local business."
Morgan concludes “Business Watch encourages partnering businesses to communicate, cooperate and be involved in their community. This proactive involvement is integral to assist RCMP in its efforts to prevent and reduce criminal activity.”
Participating businesses will display a Business Watch emblem to let everyone know they’re a supporter of the program.
For more details visit rdco.com/businesswatch.
The RDCO Crime Prevention program provides a variety of services to residents and businesses in West Kelowna, Lake Country, Peachland, Westbank First Nation and the Central Okanagan East and Central Okanagan West electoral areas.