The RCMP have bait car programs and bait bike programs to
combat thieves, and now Whistler-Blackcomb is introducing a bait ski and
snowboard program.
Although statistics on theft of ski and snowboard equipment
have remained stable over the last three years, Whistler-Blackcomb’s security
department wants to improve matters and so is introducing the bait ski and
snowboard program.
“We are enacting this new policy to make those thinking about
stealing at Whistler-Blackcomb think again,” said Kevin Rea, Whistler-Blackcomb
Security and Loss Prevention Manager. “We are implementing a bait ski and
snowboard program similar to the RCMP’s bait car and bike programs. Would-be
thieves should take note and understand they will be caught sooner than later.”
The bait car program is generally credited with reducing auto theft in
the Lower Mainland and across B.C. In May, the Integrated Municipal Provincial
Auto Crime Team announced that auto theft incidents in 2006 dropped 21 per cent
in the Lower Mainland and 19 per cent across the province compared with the
same period the previous year. The team reported that auto theft had decreased
by 43 per cent in the Lower Mainland since the launch of bait cars across B.C.
in 2004.
More than 20,000 vehicles were stolen and approximately 180
people killed or injured in crashes involving stolen vehicles in B.C. in 2005.
Bait cars are equipped with devices that allow police to track
and disable them, as well as video and audio recording devices.
Details on tracking and/or disabling devices integrated into
Whistler-Blackcomb’s bait skis and snowboards were not available.
However, the consequences for thieves were spelled out. For
those who are caught stealing guest or staff member ski or snowboard equipment,
passes will be revoked and a three year ban from being able to purchase pass
and ticket products at Whistler-Blackcomb will be applied, in addition to legal
prosecution. “It is simply unacceptable for a guest’s visit to be ruined due to
loss of their equipment while at our resort,” said Rea.
Anyone caught perpetrating theft from any Whistler-Blackcomb
operations including Retail, Rental, Food & Beverage will be met with legal
prosecution and a full one year ban from accessing the mountains. Passes will
be revoked and the ability to re-purchase pass products will be denied for a
full year. This policy will be applied regardless of the value of items stolen.
Whistler-Blackcomb provides on-mountain storage for guests
without a lock. Storage locations are on-mountain on both Whistler and
Blackcomb Mountains as well as at the base of Whistler Mountain in the village.
Cost is two dollars.
Open house Dec. 8
Whistler-Blackcomb is inviting the community to attend its
annual open house on Saturday, Dec. 8 at Legends in Creekside.
The Open House, hosted in a booth format, will have
representatives from various Whistler-Blackcomb departments who will chat about
their roles in making the company the No. 1 ski resort in North America.
Environmental initiatives and accomplishments and details about the Peak to
Peak Gondola will also be available. Marketing and Sales, Food and Beverage,
Ski and Snowboard School, and Retail/Rental will also host booths.
Whistler-Blackcomb’s senior leadership team, including the
mountain’s Chief Operating Officer, Dave Brownlie, will also be on hand to
answer questions.
“This year has been an especially exciting year for
Whistler-Blackcomb,” says Brownlie. “We think it’s important to open our doors
to the community, which has shown us so much support over the years.
Whistler-Blackcomb looks forward to showcasing our accomplishments and our
vision for the future.”
Details about volunteer homestay programs for the Whistler
World Cup, presented by Telus, and representatives from Whistler Heli-Skiing
and Intrawest’s real estate company, Playground will also be available.
The Open House will run from 4 to 6 p.m.