Tara Kearsey
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Nov 20/02) - The YK Centre suspects are now before the courts and the RCMP say they are doing everything they can to protect Yellowknife businesses from intruders.

"At any given time during bar closing, six out of seven days a week, the downtown city core has probably the highest degree of police presence, I would challenge, than any other community in Northern Canada," said Sgt. Al McCambridge.

He said he respects security firms working for local businesses and encourages them to work with the RCMP to learn about security systems and how to better protect themselves.

Those arrested in connection with the YK Centre break-ins, as well as several other commercial break-and-enters since June 11, are now facing the courts.

Mark Poodlat, 19, faces 15 counts of break, enter and theft. He was released from custody Monday afternoon by Justice of the Peace France Benoit, but was back in custody again the following morning when further charges were laid.

Benoit banished Poodlat from entering the Scotia Centre, Panda II Mall, Yellowknife Centre and Centre Square Mall. He is accused of breaking into stores at all four shopping centres

In territorial court yesterday, Poodlat appeared to face six charges in connection with break-ins at Superkleen, the Racquet Club, Willow Bay and two residences on Gitzel Street.

John Harrison and Roland Heisinger are also facing multiple break and enter charges.

Heisinger will appear in territorial court Nov. 26. He reserved his right to a show cause hearing Monday and consented to remain in police custody.

Harrison appears in court Dec. 17.