Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

Rankin Inlet (Jan 14/02) - RCMP are stemming a youthful crime wave that has been soaking Rankin Inlet in frustration.

The detachment has been investigating a rash of break-and-enter and property crimes that took place in the community the past few weeks.

An investigation led to a total of 103 charges being laid against 11 individuals, nine of whom are young offenders.

The charges range from causing mischief to printing counterfeit $100 bills.

Sgt. Tom Kasdorf said last week there were basically two groups of young offenders responsible.

One group comprised youths 16 to 17 years old, and the second, younger group, consisted mainly of young offenders aged 10 to 15.

Kasdorf said more arrests may yet be made. He said property crimes are hard to solve and police usually have to follow up a number of leads before producing results.

"We're in a day and age where the hamlet is growing and something happens almost every day," said Kasdorf.

"Businesses have to be vigilant and make sure they have the proper security in place to help guard against this type of crime," he added.

"Whether you're talking modern locks and doors or ensuring video surveillance equipment is well maintained and operative, everybody has to do their share in combatting crime in the community."

Three of the charged individuals were remanded directly into custody in Iqaluit pending a show-cause hearing.

The remaining eight were released into their own custody and are scheduled to appear in the Nunavut Court of Justice in Rankin Inlet on Feb. 13.