Crime Prevention

Crime Prevention Office Programs

• Block Watch Program

  Block Watch is a free RCMP endorsed community program operated by the City of Vernon Community Safety Unit. 

  The Community Safety Unit supports and monitors the Block Watch Program in the City of Vernon. Residents create a Block Watch Group and assist the Coordinator by organizing the initial boundaries of the Group and maintaining a communication link between the Block Watch office and the Block Watch Group residents.

  Contact the Community Safety Coordinator - Crime Prevention for more information on how to get involved. 

  Check out the new interactive map of current active block watches: City of Vernon Block Watch Map (arcgis.com)

  Active Block Watches by Area

  

  For more information check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

• RCMP Crime Prevention Volunteer Program

  RCMP Crime Prevention Volunteers work with the City of Vernon and Vernon/North Okanagan Detachment of the RCMP under the direction and supervision of the Crime Prevention Coordinator and RCMP. The involvement of volunteers is a crucial way in which the RCMP engages the community to deliver a more effective policing service.

  Speed Watch
  The Speed Watch Program operates in support of the ICBC Road Safety initiative. The purpose of the program is to enhance the safety of our communities. This is done by increasing  the level of awareness surrounding the issues of unsafe speed and dangerous driving and   reducing the incidents of speeding by reflecting drivers' speed and reinforcing the speed limit in that zone. 

  Lock Out Auto Crime
  The Lock Out Auto Crime Program is combined initiative between the RCMP and ICBC.  The RCMP Volunteers are out visibly checking vehicles in parking lots and completing a Crime Prevention Notice identifying key areas where drivers can improve the opportunity for a crime to take place.

  Cell Watch
  Cell Watch is an educational initiative aimed at reducing distracted driving incidents in communities throughout B.C. and it is conducted in partnership with police, RCMP Crime Prevention Volunteers and ICBC’s Road Safety Initiative. The program is designed to remind drivers that it is illegal and dangerous to use hand-held cell phones and other portable electronic devices (PEDs) when driving. 

  Marine Vessel Safety / Invasive Mussel Check:
  RCMP Crime Prevention Volunteers assist the Marine Unit in allowing boaters to complete a Pre-Launch inspection of all the items required under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 along with its regulations governing pleasure craft.  This preventative measure assists the RCMP and gives vessel operators the opportunity to correct deficiencies prior to launch.

  RCMP Crime Prevention Volunteers conducting Vessel Safety checks will also be checking vessels for Guagga and Zebra invasive mussels.  This initiative is ran in conjunction with OASISS, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to working collaboratively to prevent, monitor and control the spread of invasive species in the Okanagan-Similkameen region. 

• Crime Free Multi-Housing Program

  The City of Vernon Crime Free Multi-Housing Program is a three-phase, direct and solution oriented crime prevention initiative designed specifically to help apartment owners, managers, residents, police and other significant agencies work together to help keep illegal and nuisance activity off rental property. The result of this team effort is a safer, more habitable environment in which to live.

                                                                

  Crime Free Multi-Housing Buildings:

  Members of the Certified Crime Free Multi-Housing Program work in partnership with the Vernon Community Safety Unit to reduce criminal and nuisance activity.  The aim of the program is to reduce the opportunity and motivation for committing a crime or damage to the property. The program enables a community to become strong and act as one to make their home safe and free from tenants who bring crime into the building.

  The following are Certified Crime Free Buildings in Vernon:

  Kickwillie Place, 4305 19 Avenue, Vernon, BC
  The Village, 1507 35 Avenue, Vernon, BC
  Creekside Village, 3502 27 Avenue, Vernon, BC
  Kikanee Estates, 5701 Heritage Drive, Vernon, BC
  Tanner Terrace, 3304 Alexis Park Drive, Vernon, BC
  Thunderbird Manor, 5545 27 Avenue, Vernon, BC