The word crime has many definitions and the they all arrive at the same conclusion.   When does perception become reality?  When a person realizes they have been victimized. There is of course a difference of opinion when it comes to what is the acceptable level of incidents in a community?

The answer is always the same something has to be done. Who is to do what? How big is the problem?  What are the solutions? It is easy to accuse and to cast blame its done all the time.

The alternative is to discuss the issue out in the open and work together to come up with solutions and that is more difficult.  There are any number of reasons for crime we can likely recite them from time immemorial.  High unemployment, gangs, greed and of course drug use.

The latest crime epidemic is being touted as a result of the drugs fentanyl and opioids.  Fentanyl is a scourge, it not only destroys life –  it depletes medical resources due to illegal drug use.

Opioids came from the pharmaceutical companies as a pain relief medicine.   It’s a case where a drug known by it creators to be addictive has turned business people, trades people, retired people, young people, the homeless, you name it into addicts.

There is no solution now the barn door is open and the horses are gone.  The only relief for taxpayers is to sue, Yes sue the companies for the additional costs for medical treatment of those addicted and for the increased costs of policing for crimes committed to get money for their habit.

Can’t be done?  Ask big tobacco about that.

Anyway there is a perception of a problem =  a short explanation and a proposed solution.

Yes there is theft in every community.  People who are the victims of crime, often feel helpless.  They feel there is no solution, and they are alone.  What if there were a few tips and solutions, and those people who feel isolated were not along?

If you live in Oliver or Osyoos, there is a meeting to discuss the problems and what can be done.  It’s in Oliver August 28th

First I am not the organizer of the meeting but I have been asked to moderate or MC the event.  The invitation is a result of people reading my weekly column in the Oliver Daily News.

When it comes to crime it can be an emotional time I know I was once a victim myself.  This will not be an event were we come to throw stones.  Yes we want to hear your stories but even more important we want to learn from each other about solutions.

In addition there will be a number of speakers with the insight as to how costly crime really is.

At this meeting there will be official speakers however I want to ensure those attending have their voices heard as well.

Fred Steele