Kelowna RCMP up night patrols following youth assault

Mounties have increased their presence at night in Kelowna following an assault of a youth earlier this fall.

In late September a female youth was allegedly assault by a group of youths, who were later identified and arrested after a video of the attack circulated on social media.

READ MORE: All five aggressors in youth assault arrested, police continue to ask people to stop sharing video

Since that assault occurred, Kelowna RCMP said it’s Community Safety Unit had upped its evening patrols on weekends.

“We heard the community’s concerns and concentrated our patrols in parks and public spaces focusing on downtown City Park, Centennial Park, Gyro Beach and Ben Lee Park,” Sgt. Scott Powrie of Kelowna’s Community Safety Unit, said.

“Officers conducted more than 30 youth probation compliance checks and as a result a dozen breach of probation investigations were opened. RCMP Youth Support Officers collaborate with Youth Justice Services to recommend charges to B.C. Prosecution Service on these matters.”

The Kelowna RCMP added it will continue to work with the city and other partners to address criminal , safety and youth matters, while also conducting proactive patrols and engagement work.

More information about safety tips can be found at the RCMP’s website and the City of Kelowna’s Community Safety Took kit page, with information about Youth Justice Services available at the Ministry of Children and Family Development website.