The BC government has delayed releasing a report on how to deal with prolific offenders and random violent attacks..An investigation into the issue was set forth by the province in May, and its findings — which were set to be detailed next week — have been delayed due to the "complexity of issues" regarding crime in the province's communities..In co-operation with the BC Urban Mayors' Caucus (BCUMC) — which represents 13 mayors from cities across BC — the province hired two experts who will conduct the investigation and make recommendations to address the problems highlighted by the informal caucus..In April, the BCUMC sent a detailed letter to provincial officials indicating crime patterns shifted during the pandemic, hurting downtown retail areas in particular..“Simply because we are compassionate, concerned and taking action on mental health and addiction issues does not mean that we have to accept criminal behaviour, vandalism or violence in our communities,” said David Eby, attorney general BC New Democrat leader hopeful..“We agree with the mayors that creative solutions within our authority are needed. Together, we’ve identified and hired the experts in policing and mental health needed to investigate these trends, identify solutions and help us implement them.”.The hired experts leading the investigation are Doug LePard, former Vancouver police deputy chief and former Metro Vancouver Transit police chief, and Amanda Butler, a health researcher and criminologist..The report was set to be submitted by September 2, however the two experts say more time is needed in order to effectively consider all feedback..“Government is committed to working with mayors and all other partners to find ways to improve safety for all British Columbians, both immediately and in the long term,” said provincial officials..The BCUMC letter highlights a Kelowna RCMP report about one offender who has been the subject of 346 police files over the last six years, receiving 29 convictions for various property crime and assault offences, only to be routinely released with conditions before re-offending..Also in Kelowna, local RCMP sent out a rare warning about the release of a prolific offender this week who conjured up 421 police files and has 64 charges against him since 2016, including assaults, robbery, theft, mischief, and indecent acts..READ MORE: EXCLUSIVE: Fed up Penticton residents take crime into their own hands.READ MORE: Prolific offender with hundreds of police files released in Kelowna, again
