Canada is among the safest nations in the world, and provinces like British Columbia offer working Canadians excellent communities to raise families. Nonetheless, no country is without crime. Moreover, according to Stats Canada’s Crime Severity Index (CSI), there was an increase of 25,500 police-reported crimes in 2021 compared to 2020.

In BC, cities like Kelowna, Abbotsford-Mission, and Metro Vancouver appeared near the top of the list for Canadian cities with high police-reported crime. It’s also important to note that only one-third of violent and non-violent crimes are believed to be reported to the police.

These figures should be concerning for all citizens. And for employers, it demonstrates why it’s becoming more important to run criminal background checks in BC.

Why Employers Should Be Running Criminal Background Checks in BC

In 2021, Kelowna had the second highest CSI at 123.3, behind Lethbridge, Alberta, which took the top spot with 128.7. Additionally, Abbotsford-Mission and Metro Vancouver were above the national average of 73.7.

Regarding violent crime, Kelowna actually sits seventh nationally. Many of Kelowna’s criminal issues revolve around opioid-related offences, shoplifting, mischief, and fraud. Moreover, statistics show progress in reducing crimes related to trafficking, production and importation of methamphetamine, and identity fraud.

Kelowna, along with Vancouver, Victoria, and Abbotsford-Mission, has also seen a troubling rise in hate crimes these past few years. In 2020, there was a jump of 58 per cent followed by another increase of 21 per cent in 2021.

How Can Criminal Background Checks in BC Help?

A criminal background check shows a person’s convictions, arrest warrants, outstanding charges, and other criminal records. Not all criminal records should disqualify a candidate, but employers should do their due diligence.

For instance, if you’re looking to hire someone for a role that involves managing money and company assets, then you should know if they have a history of fraud.

Candidates with histories of violent crime or hate crimes could also create an unsafe environment for your customers and employees. Why take that chance?

Helping Employers Obtain Criminal Background Checks in BC Fast

When it comes to hiring new employees, due diligence is always a wise investment. Triton offers employers thorough background checks with industry-leading turnaround times. We’ll ensure you get the information you need quickly, so you can hire with confidence, leading to greater dividends for your company and a safe environment for your customers and employees.

Interested in taking our solution for a test drive? Call 1-855-929-1151 or visit our website to learn more.