Two months in the past, a truck crashed into Gamers Alternative Sports activities in Kelowna, B.C., leaving the shop ransacked and the enterprise in shambles.
Katie Jenion, the proprietor, shared the emotional toll of the incident, sayin, “It undoubtedly affected our complete household, and it was scary.”
Regardless of the setback, the homeowners pressed on and celebrated the opening of their second location, Gamers Alternative Toys, Playing cards & Video games, only a block away. However with pleasure comes the worry that theft points may observe.
“It’s a worry. We keep up, we have a look at the cameras on a regular basis. We’re all the time watching. It’s all the time behind our thoughts. We’ve cancelled weekend plans as a result of we don’t wish to be away. It’s a bit scary,” mentioned Jenion.
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Whereas theft stays a priority, Kelowna RCMP experiences a 55-per cent lower in enterprise break-ins between 2022 and 2024.
The drop comes as a shock to some enterprise homeowners.
“I’ve heard from so many enterprise homeowners that it’s one thing they’re all the time frightened about. Sure, the police are doing their greatest, however when it’s small crime, how a lot can they actually do?” mentioned Jenion.
The Downtown Kelowna Affiliation (DKA) additionally famous ongoing points.
“We nonetheless have that problem taking place downtown. I don’t suppose it’s going to go away so long as now we have a good portion of individuals within the in a single day hours, which is when it occurs, on our road,” mentioned DKA Government Director Mark Burley.
In response, companies like Wild Kingdom have stepped up their very own safety measures.
“Inside theft has come method down as a result of I’m actually strict. All people has to place their baggage down and we watch. I’ve acquired 16 cameras within the retailer, cameras inside, cameras outdoors,” mentioned proprietor Kim Williams.
The improved measures come after ongoing issues downtown.
“Been by way of numerous theft, break-ins, holdups, however I’m nonetheless right here in the identical location. Nothing is breaking me down,” mentioned Williams.
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