From the left, Cpl Megan Kowalewich, Brian Cornborough, President CVICS, R/Cst Gary O’Brien and Cst Kraig Doskotch (Nanaimo RCMP photo)
Central Vancouver Island Crime Stoppers (CVICS) continues to strengthen community partnerships aimed at keeping people safe, most recently through collaboration with the Nanaimo RCMP and the Shawnigan Lake RCMP. As part of an ongoing campaign focused on spiked drinks and over‑consumption in local bars, representatives from (CVICS) travelled to the Shawnigan Lake RCMP detachment to share resources and discuss prevention strategies.
R/Cst. Gary O’Brien, Crime Stoppers Coordinator, and Brian Cornborough, President of CVICS, met with Shawnigan Lake RCMP members to outline the goals of the awareness initiative. The campaign is designed to educate patrons, bar staff, and the broader community on recognizing the signs of drink tampering and understanding the risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption.
During the meeting, posters and specially designed beer coasters were provided to the officers for distribution to local nightclubs and licensed establishments. These materials offer clear messaging and practical tips, while also encouraging the public to report suspicious activity anonymously through Crime Stoppers or to their local police.
Sergeant Colin Cook, Officer in Charge of the Shawnigan Lake RCMP officers expressed strong support for the initiative and welcomed the opportunity to help spread the message at the local level. Corporal Megan Kowalewich and Constable Kraig Doskotch of the local detachment, graciously participated in a photo opportunity with the campaign materials.
This partnership highlights the power of collaboration in addressing real-world concerns and fostering safer nightlife environments across Vancouver Island.
In the coming months, CVICS will be reaching out to other RCMP detachments across the communities they serve throughout central Vancouver Island to seek their support and expand the reach of this important initiative.
To find out more about Crime Stoppers or this initiative, email president@cvicrimestoppers.com
