Province launches $16M program to target chronic property offenders

The province is investing $16 million over two years to launch the Chronic Property Offending Intervention Initiative province-wide, targeting repeat property-crime offenders across B.C.

Public Safety Minister Nina Krieger announced the program Monday, June 22, in Nanaimo. The C-POII is modelled on the successful Repeat Violent Offending Intervention Initiative, which has reduced crimes by repeat violent offenders in B.C. by 67 per cent, increased charge approvals for high-risk individuals, and strengthened justice system responses for these offenders.

Inspector Donavan Tait from the Nanaimo RCMP said police in many communities report that a small number of individuals are responsible for a disproportionate amount of property crimes — including vandalism, urinating in public, theft, shoplifting, and street disorder.

"Like RVOI, we'll have a wrap-around approach that will involve not only police officers, but also prosecutors, probation officers, correctional supervisors, community-integration specialists and mental-health liaisons," Tait said. "These individuals will receive enhanced supervision and supports based on their criminal history, level of community disruption and risk of re-offending."

Small-scale pilots of the C-POII have been underway in Nanaimo, Kelowna, and Nelson since November 2025. The program will now go province-wide over the next two years.

Sonia Komen, owner of The Nanaimo Bar, a lounge and music venue where the announcement was held, said the initiative addresses public-safety challenges affecting both local businesses and residents. Fred Jeffery, chair of the Downtown Nanaimo Business Association, said the expansion provides hope for long-term solutions to reducing the toll of property crimes while helping offenders "find a better path forward."