Kimberley RCMP reported a modest rise in calls for service in the first quarter of 2026, alongside increases in violent incidents and shoplifting, according to a quarterly report outlining local policing trends and priorities.
The detachment recorded 409 calls for service in the quarter, up 4.5 per cent from 391 in the previous quarter.
The report said the City of Kimberley and the RCMP have identified three priorities for the 2025-26 fiscal year: traffic enforcement, particularly impaired driving; youth; and police-community relations.
Calls from Jan. 1, 2026 to Mar. 31, 2026 regarding assaults, and missing persons or sudden death increased from the previous quarter. Calls for assaults/sexual assaults/threats/harassment increased to 29 from 22, and calls for missing persons or sudden death rose to 11 from six in the previous quarter.
Meanwhile, calls related to theft and mental health issues declined. Break-and-enter and theft calls dropped to 22 from 25, and mental health-related calls fell to 11 from 16.
Traffic and vehicle incident calls held steady at 75 in both quarters.
Police said proactive road enforcement has increased, with more road checks conducted in recent weeks. Four impaired drivers were caught over the past two weekends.
Shoplifting has risen sharply in Kimberley, with 32 cases reported in 2025, compared with four in 2024 and 10 in 2023. Businesses most affected include Save-On-Foods, Shoppers Drug Mart and BC Liquor.
Files of interest this quarter include a drug seizure in early January. Kimberley RCMP said officers seized about three ounces of cocaine, one ounce of fentanyl and six ounces of methamphetamine from a backpack near Church Avenue.
Later that month, RCMP executed a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrant at a residence on Ritchie Street. Police said methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine were seized. The investigation is ongoing. Police described the warrant as Kimberley’s first of its kind in three years.
Also in January, a vehicle incident involved a suspect who allegedly had a warrant and conditions prohibiting them from being in the driver’s seat of a motor vehicle. Police said the suspect rammed a police vehicle while fleeing an attempted stop. Officers located the individual later in the month, and additional charges are pending.
At the end of March, RCMP investigating a reported stolen e-bike were told the suspect left in a silver sedan. Police located the vehicle, which fled at high speed. It was later found abandoned. Investigators believe the suspects may have switched to the e-bike. The investigation is ongoing.
Community involvement this quarter included participation in food hamper initiatives, school programs, local events, and visits with seniors and sports groups. The second annual First Responders Golf Tournament is scheduled for Aug. 22, with proceeds supporting Kimberley Search and Rescue.
Kimberley RCMP said staffing levels are currently reduced due to long-term leave and one retirement. Two replacement constables are expected in the coming months. Of a full complement of 10 members, six are currently operational, limiting available resources.
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