Smashed in front windows and doors, along with anti-social behavior has been a regular reality for Kelowna downtown business owners. (Image Credit: Facebook)

By Vernon Matters Staff

response to outcry on crime

Kelowna gets overnight security patrol

Feb 19, 2026 | 5:05 PM

There has been what the City calls ” a swift and direct response” to the recent outcry about crime in downtown Kelowna.

An overnight patrol has been launched.

The City is calling it temporary and it will feature non-police patrollers keeping an eye on issues and collaborating with RCMP and Bylaw.

The overnight patrol comes out of the recent Community Safety Forum involving the business sector.

“By increasing visible overnight presence in areas of concern, the initiative intends to disrupt ongoing patterns of crime and mischief, helping deter further incidents and improve the public’s sense of safety,” Darren Caul, Community Safety Director, said in a media release Thursday. “It also supports local businesses during what many have told us is a challenging period, by helping stabilize areas that are repeatedly impacted.”

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Patrol schedules, hours, and frequency will not be made publicly available, as doing so could impact program efficacy.