Kelowna RCMP Arrest Suspect After Series of Business Break-Ins
Community Safety Alert for Kelowna and Area
Kelowna RCMP have identified and arrested a suspect in connection with a series of alleged break and enters targeting local businesses in Kelowna, British Columbia. The incidents occurred between April 15 and April 20, 2026, and involved multiple locations along Harvey Avenue and Bernard Avenue.
Investigators from frontline patrol and the RCMP Proactive Enforcement Unit (PEU) coordinated efforts after several reports of business break-ins. Their work led to the arrest of a Salmon Arm man, who is now facing multiple charges and remains in custody pending a court appearance.
Official Incident Details
According to police, the first reported incident occurred on April 15, 2026, when officers were called to an automotive shop in the 1700-block of Harvey Avenue, Kelowna. Property was allegedly taken from a vehicle that had been left at the shop for servicing. Later the same day, officers arrested a suspect identified as Gary Gadawski, of Salmon Arm, B.C.. He appeared in court and was released the next day on conditions.
Further reports followed on April 18 and April 19, 2026, when Kelowna RCMP responded to two separate break-ins at a retail business in the 400-block of Bernard Avenue. On April 20, 2026, officers were again called to the 500-block of Bernard Avenue after overnight break-ins at two service businesses. Staff at one of these businesses reported that an individual gained entry and allegedly stole several items, including a laptop computer.
After reviewing the collected evidence from these events, investigators believed that Gadawski was also responsible for the subsequent Bernard Avenue incidents. Later on April 20, officers located and arrested him again.
Charges Approved
As a result of the investigations into these Kelowna business break-ins, the following charges have been approved against Gary Gadawski:
- Four counts of break and enter and commit theft
- One count of failure to comply with a release order
Gadawski is currently in custody and scheduled to appear in court on April 29, 2026.
Impact on Local Businesses and Community
Property crime directed at commercial locations, particularly repeated break-ins, can create significant financial strain for independent shops and service providers. These incidents in core business areas such as Harvey Avenue and Bernard Avenue highlight the ongoing need for security planning, surveillance, and neighbourhood awareness among business owners in Kelowna and the surrounding Okanagan region.
For those seeking a broader understanding of local crime patterns, residents and business owners can review Kelowna crime statistics and safety trends to see how property offences like break and enters compare to other crime categories in the city. Regional data can also be explored through the Okanagan crime statistics and safety data, which provide additional context on trends across nearby communities.
CrimeCanada.ca Safety Perspective
From the perspective of CrimeCanada.ca, this alert underscores how repeat property crime can disrupt daily life and economic stability across British Columbia. Business break-ins often result not only in stolen goods, but also in repair costs, lost operating time, and increased insurance burdens. Community awareness, prompt reporting of suspicious behaviour, and investment in practical security measures are key tools in reducing opportunities for these offences.
Business owners are encouraged to review available crime prevention resources, such as the City of Kelowna’s Business Safety Toolkit, and to consider layered security approaches: quality locks, lighting, cameras, secure storage of valuables, and regular review of alarm systems. Staff training on closing procedures and quick reporting to police if anything appears unusual can further help protect workplaces. CrimeCanada.ca remains committed to sharing timely, data-informed safety information so that residents and business operators can make informed decisions to help safeguard their properties and strengthen community resilience.
Official Source & Community Safety
This safety alert is based on an official release from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). CrimeCanada.ca aggregates and analyzes this data to keep the british-columbia community informed, aware, and safe. We are an independent safety data aggregator and not the original creators of the underlying incident report.
Read the full official release here: RCMP Official Statement.