Oliver recorded a 51 per cent spike in its crime rate over the past five years, according to fresh data from Statistics Canada, but the mayor thinks the numbers are misleading.

“I truly believe we’re not unlike other small communities in the province: There’s a rash of crime, hopefully (police) can step on (the perpetrators) and things cool down for awhile, and then you’ve got some yahoos that go out there and start all over again,” said Ron Hovanes.

Source: Penticton Herald