By Sarah Mitchell, The Appleton Times
In the quiet early hours of a Wednesday morning in downtown Kelowna, British Columbia, a brazen break-in unfolded at Mosaic Books, a beloved independent bookstore that has served the community for more than 30 years. Security footage captured the alarming scene: a suspect, pushing a shopping cart, approached the store around 4 a.m. and pulled out what appeared to be a full-sized axe. With deliberate swings, the individual smashed through a double-pane window half a dozen times before reaching inside to grab approximately $800 worth of merchandise. The incident, the latest in a troubling series of crimes targeting the store, has left owner Michael Neill feeling increasingly helpless amid rising frustrations over local crime and the justice system.
Michael Neill, who has owned Mosaic Books for years, described the video as "sickening to watch." In an interview with Global News, he recounted the details: "He had an axe, a full-sized axe out of his shopping cart and just started hammering away at it." The smashed window is now boarded up, joining a pattern of vandalism that has plagued the store. Neill estimated that over the past year and a half, the bookstore has incurred about $9,000 in damages from repeatedly replacing windows and dealing with other intrusions.
This break-in comes just one month after two other windows were smashed at the same location, adding to the financial and emotional toll on the business. Last week, Neill reported another disturbing event: a fire was set in the back alley behind the store. "Somebody caught up with the guy that did it," Neill said. "He turned around and he laughed and he said, doesn’t matter… I’ll be out tomorrow." Such encounters highlight the suspects' apparent lack of fear of consequences, fueling Neill's exasperation.
The Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, representing the area's business community, expressed little surprise at the ongoing incidents. CEO George Greenwood called it "like a never-ending song," pointing to the cumulative strain on local enterprises. "People are not spending as much. Business is hurting just over the general economy and now they’re having to replace windows every other week, they’re having to replace doors," Greenwood told reporters. "They are having to hire extra security." These additional costs come at a time when economic pressures are already squeezing retailers, making recovery from such crimes even more challenging.
Neill and other business owners in the area have directed sharp criticism toward what they perceive as leniency in the judicial system. "Nothing is being done because it’s a catch and release program," Neill stated to Global News. "It’s unbelievably frustrating." His comments echo broader concerns in Kelowna about repeat offenders evading meaningful accountability. Earlier this year, a city document revealed that in 2024, just 15 individuals were responsible for generating more than 1,300 police files, underscoring the disproportionate impact of a small group on public safety and business operations.
In response to this trend, local officials have taken steps to advocate for change at higher levels of government. The city sent a letter to Ottawa pleading for harsher penalties on repeat offenders, signaling a recognition that current measures are insufficient. "We’ve hit a tipping point," Neill said. "This has gone too far." The plea reflects a growing sentiment among residents and business leaders that systemic reforms are urgently needed to deter such crimes and protect vulnerable downtown areas.
The Kelowna Regional Police have launched an investigation into the latest break-in at Mosaic Books and are appealing to the public for assistance. They have not released a description of the suspect beyond what's visible in the security footage, which shows the individual in casual clothing pushing the shopping cart. However, Neill remains skeptical about the potential for swift justice. "Police are asking for the public’s help with the investigation," he noted, but added that he is "not hopeful it will make any significant difference."
Mosaic Books, located in the heart of downtown Kelowna, has long been a cultural staple, offering a curated selection of books, hosting author events, and fostering community connections. Established well over three decades ago, it has weathered economic shifts and urban changes, but the relentless crime wave is testing its resilience. Neill expressed deep concern about the store's future: "It would be a real shame if I just can’t put up with this anymore and we had to move out of downtown," he said. "I think it would be the saddest thing."
The broader context of crime in Kelowna reveals a city grappling with visible challenges in its downtown core. According to local reports, property crimes like break-ins have surged in recent years, often linked to issues of homelessness, mental health, and substance use. While police data supports the notion of repeat offenders driving much of the activity—as evidenced by the 2024 city document—the root causes remain complex and multifaceted. Business associations like the Chamber of Commerce have called for a multi-pronged approach, including increased patrols, social services, and legislative changes.
Greenwood's remarks highlight how these incidents exacerbate existing economic woes. With consumer spending down due to inflation and uncertainty, small businesses like Mosaic Books operate on thin margins. The need to invest in security measures—cameras, alarms, reinforced windows—diverts resources from inventory or staff. "It’s compounding an already challenging business environment," Greenwood emphasized, noting that similar stories are emerging from other retailers in the area.
Residents in Kelowna have mixed reactions to the news. Some express sympathy for affected businesses, while others debate the balance between compassion for offenders and the need for public safety. Social media discussions following the release of the security video have amplified calls for tougher laws, with users sharing their own encounters with crime in the downtown area. However, advocacy groups for the homeless caution against overly punitive measures, arguing that addressing underlying issues like affordable housing and addiction treatment is key to long-term solutions.
As the investigation continues, the incident at Mosaic Books serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities facing independent retailers in urban centers. Neill's story is not isolated; similar break-ins have been reported at nearby establishments, prompting some owners to consider relocation or closure. The bookstore's potential departure would mark a significant loss for Kelowna's cultural landscape, where independent shops like Mosaic provide spaces for intellectual exchange away from big-box alternatives.
Looking ahead, the city's letter to federal authorities could spark dialogue on criminal justice reforms, but progress may be slow. In the meantime, Neill and his team are left to rebuild—literally and figuratively—while hoping for a reprieve from the cycle of destruction. The security footage, now public, might aid in identifying the suspect, but for business owners like Neill, the deeper question is whether Kelowna's downtown can reclaim its sense of security and vitality.
The events at Mosaic Books underscore a pivotal moment for Kelowna, where economic recovery intersects with public safety concerns. As winter approaches, with darker evenings potentially inviting more opportunistic crimes, local leaders are under pressure to act. Whether through enhanced policing, community programs, or policy shifts, the path forward will require collaboration across sectors to ensure that landmarks like Mosaic Books endure for another 30 years.