The number of calls for police service in the town of Oliver decreased in the second quarter of 2024, but Osoyoos and the Oliver rural area both saw increases.

RCMP statistics for the second quarter of the year were presented during the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen's meeting on Aug. 15. 

The numbers showed a noticeable drop in calls for service at Oliver鈥檚 municipal RCMP detachment. There were 343 calls for service in the second quarter of this year, down from 493 in the second quarter of 2023. This is a 30 per cent decrease. 

The decrease reflects a trend seen since the beginning of the year, as calls for police service are down significantly. In the first six months of this year, the municipal RCMP detachment has received 615 calls for service, down from 851 in the first half of 2023.

There were 17 violent crime incidents in the municipality of Oliver in the second quarter of this year, down from 39 in the same period a year ago. 

Property crime numbers also dropped, with 64 incidents reported, down from 104.

The only property crime area to see an increase was fraud, where 13 incidents were reported, up from eight in the second quarter of 2023.

The Oliver rural RCMP detachment saw a 16 per cent increase in calls for service, with 546 recorded in the second quarter of this year, up from 471 in the same time in 2023.

Violent crime figures dropped from 49 in the second quarter of 2023 to 45 in the second quarter of 2024.

However, property crime figures increased in numerous categories. There were 84 property crime incidents in the second quarter of 2024, a 58 per cent increase from the 53 incidents during the same period in 2023.

The Osoyoos municipal detachment saw a slight increase in its total calls for service.

The detachment also had a small increase in the number of violent crimes and a noticeable increase in property crimes In the second quarter of 2024, 77 property crimes were reported, up from 51 in the same period of 2023. 

The Oliver rural RCMP detachment had a slight drop in its calls for service, and a decrease in violent crime figures. However, property crimes rose significantly, with 47 incidents reported. This is an increase of 96 per cent from the 24 incidents in the second quarter of 2023.