Save Our Streets says B.C. residents continue to live in fear in their communities

British Columbians still don’t feel safe in their communities according to new survey results released by Save Our Streets.

It also says that theft, disorder and fear are a fact of life in B.C., and that fewer and fewer people are bothering to report crime.

SOS says 73% say crime and violence is impacting their quality of life, and 37% say they’ve been a victim of crime.

Jess Ketchum is the Co-Founder of SOS who is from Quesnel.

“Eighteen months ago, our first survey showed British Columbians were extremely unhappy with how government, law enforcement and the health care system were addressing public disorder, public safety, retail crime, and mental health and addictions issues. This latest survey shows little has changed.”

Ketchum says despite some authorities saying progress is being made, British Columbians are not feeling or seeing any difference in their communities.

“What we’re seeing is residents of their community continuing to be victimized, stores having their windows smashed, other stores closing, and the rights of repeat offenders being placed over their right to go outside their home and not feel for their safety.”

The survey also showed that 71% point to a lack of confidence in the justice system as the reason for not reporting crime.

The majority of respondents, 87%, also say that mental health illnesses and addiction contribute significantly to crime and public safety issues.

Ketchum says the survey results also showed that there was widespread support, 72 to 84 percent, for new approaches to tackling the drug crisis.

He says that included investing in new and enhanced facilities, launching education and awareness campaigns about drug use, creating more spaces for drug rehabilitation, providing housing to individuals entering detox and recovery programs, and allowing people addicted to drugs to avoid incarceration and fines for minor crimes if they voluntarily enter and conclude a detox and recovery program.

The survey of 1,210 BC residents was conducted province-wide January 26-28 by Research Co with a margin of error +/- 2.8% 19 times out of 20.

–Files by George Henderson, My Cariboo Now