Yellowknife (Aug 20/03) - Fifteen vehicles were vandalized near the airport Tuesday and police are asking for the public's help to solve the case.

"We really need people to keep their eyes and ears open... and tell us if they know anything," said RCMP Inspector Paul Richards.

"These cases can be difficult because there isn't a lot of evidence available."

Police also spotted a stolen van driving around the legislative assembly buildings early last Tuesday morning.

When they approached the van near the Explorer Hotel, the driver jumped out of the vehicle and escaped.

Richards said police are investigating whether or not the stolen van and the break-ins near the airport are related.

Forensic investigators are examining the van, but Richards said clues can be hard to come by in vandalism cases.

"There might not be a whole lot to go on," he said.

Last Tuesday's incident was part of a recent rash of vehicle break-ins and thefts. Earlier in the week, vandals smashed the rear windows of eight taxi-cabs and vehicles have been damaged all across the city, from the airport to the downtown core.

"There is definitely an increase in the number of break-ins and thefts," said Richards.

"It's an inconvenience for people and businesses. We want to put a stop to it."

Richards said people can take precautions to prevent break-ins.

"Don't leave things in plain view," he said. "Car alarms also help."

But Richards said public awareness is the key to preventing thefts and vandalism.

"People need to be vigilant," he said.