What's New

The Vernon RCMP Safe Communities Unit advises that March is Fraud Prevention Month

Each year, thousands of Canadians become victims of fraud. Education is the key to avoiding the fraud trap. So every March, the RCMP in cooperation with about 100 private and public organizations unite in a national campaign to raise awareness about fraud prevention. The Bank of Canada is also part of this campaign.

Fraud can take many forms some being credit card fraud, counterfeiting of currency, identity theft leading to fraudulent use of your identity, debit card fraud, telephone marketing, false charities, disaster relief and even job fraud. There are several ways to detect and prevent fraud from occurring to you or your loved ones. The basic premise is that, "If it sounds too good to be true, it is!" Always get advice if you are not sure.

According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre Criminal Intelligence Analytical Unit (Phonebusters) Executive Summary for 2009. Canadian victims in the 50-59 age range are at the top dollar loss for victims totaling $6,201,911.34. Of interest is that the top reported payment method used to receive funds from Canadian victims in 2009 is Western Union.

Please see link below for more information

News Release Document - 19Kb PDF

Posted: March 10, 2010

On SaturdayFeb-13th an elderly woman was the victim of a possible scam in the downtown core. The victim was parked in front of the Shoppers Drug Mart downtown when she was approached by a man with a bike. He said he was sorry but that he had given her a parking ticket. He produced a ticket from her front window and told her if she paid him right away it would only cost her $10.00. The victim paid him the money, the suspect then gave her the ticket back and he drove off on his bike.

The woman later went to the By-Laws office and learned that she had been a victim of a theft or scam.
We would like to remind all residents of the area that the City of Vernon By-Laws officers all wear a clearly marked uniform. They do not except money for tickets on the street. They may assist you with your ticket by placing both the ticket and cash in an envelope and putting it a drop box nearby. 
Police and By-laws are concerned about this incident as it involves theft of money and impersonation of a peace officer.
Anyone who experiences this kind of action is asked to call the police right away.

Gordon Molendyk
Spokesperson
For the Vernon/North Okanagan RCMP.
Direct line 250-260-7161
Cell phone 250-308-7288

On Monday 8 February, City of Vernon Council approves a 3 year contract and lease agreement with the Okanagan Landing Volunteer Firefighters Association (OKLVFA).

Since 1993, the City of Vernon has contracted the Association to provide fire suppression services from the Okanagan Landing Fire Station for the citizens of Vernon. The new contract provides increased coordination for firefighter training, operational guidelines, and joint responses between OKLVFA and Vernon Fire Rescue Services (VFRS). City Administration and the OKLVFA reached an acceptable agreement in mid January and it is expected that the OKLVFA will sign the contract and lease for the fire station within the next week.

Mayor Lippert is pleased that Administration and the OKLVFA reached a 3 year deal and added "In the view of the citizens of Vernon - firefighters are firefighters and this deal provides opportunities to enhance the working relationships, and ultimately provide a high level of fire service that is efficient and effective and that the citizens have come to know."

Annually the Silver Star Rotary Club present awards to community volunteers for the past year. The local RCMPolice nominated Ken and Sheila NELSON recognizing their outstanding work 'above and beyond' in the local Citizens on Patrol program.

Ken and Sheila NELSON started with the Vernon and District Citizens on Patrol in 2007. Since joining this community program and in addition to their normal volunteer hours they have been instrumental in recovering 79 stolen vehicles. These stolen vehicles have originated from other parts of British Columbia and neighbouring provinces.

Many of these vehicle recoveries have been made by the couple even while driving to and from their business, and then recalling a vehicle description or license number from a previous volunteer COP shift. This extra work on their part has helped our local RCMPolice, the City of Vernon (which funds the COP program) and the owners of motor vehicles and ICBC in the recovery and return of these vehicles.

Vernon
B/X Swan Lake
Okanagan Landing
Coldstream
Enderby
Silver Star
Lumby

Wal-Mart, Superstore, Cooper's & Fruit Union plaza
Butcher Boys
Buy Low Foods (Landing Plaza)
Alexander's Pub
Enderby Credit Union, IGA, Bridge, Sutherland's Bakery
Siver Star Village
Irly Bird Armstrong IPE