Malcolm Gorrill
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Jan 18/02) - Inuvik RCMP are tired of chasing after stolen snowmobiles.

So tired, in fact, that Const. Paul Fuhr and Cpl. Tim Beland appeared before town council last week, urging council to adopt a bylaw requiring owners to lock up their snowmobiles.

"Over the last three years we've noticed quite a dramatic increase in the number of stolen snowmobiles," Fuhr explained.

He explained that in 1999 the number of reported stolen snowmobiles was seven. This number rose to 11 in 2000 and was around 40 last year.

"Quite often what we're finding is youth or young adults who are walking downtown and they get bored, looking for something to do. They come across a snowmobile that's easy to obtain and disconnect the ignition switch and off they go."

Fuhr pointed out a lot of gas is stolen within town to fuel stolen snowmobiles. He said quite often the stolen vehicles are left abandoned and usually without much damage.

Fuhr said that "locked up" could include running a chain from the snowmobile to one's porch or another snowmobile, or putting the machine inside a building. He said such measures would discourage thieves, though he acknowledged some snowmobiles would still be stolen.

Fuhr suggested a fine should be imposed for those violating the bylaw.

Beland said discretion would be used when applying the fine.

"We're not out to re-victimize somebody that's had their vehicle stolen," Beland said.

"You have snowmobiles that are stolen over and over and over and over."

Fuhr said he is not aware of any similar legislation within the NWT.

Council decided to refer the matter to the administration committee.