Jason Unrau
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Jan 27/06) - Inuvik RCMP have arrested two youth involved in two separate incidents of stolen snowmobiles from the Top of the World Ski Club last week.

It began Monday evening, Jan. 16, when a good samaritan thwarted an attempt by several youths to break into the Top of the World Ski Club's storage shed, where its heavy Alpine Ski-doos used for grooming trails were stored. However, this gesture proved futile as both the club's machines went missing.

Trails and maintenance co-ordinator for the club Gord Robertson managed to track down both sleds later that evening, however on Jan. 20, the same group of teens entered the shed and made off with one of the Alpines. Robertson found it the next day lying in pieces on Twin Lakes.

"We're going to have to turn this place into Fort Knox," said Robertson of eventual repairs to the storage shed's doors. "They ripped off the side door to get at the deadbolt. There's about $1,000 worth of damage on the shed alone."

As for the shattered Alpine, estimates for repairs are in the $3,000-$4,000 range. Investigating officer Const. Tim Fifield of the RCMP says the five youth between 13 and 15 years of age were involved.

"One of the youths for sure has used up his alternative measures, so he'll be charged, and some of the other kids will be diverted to community justice and hopefully this will change their path," said Fifield. Two charges were laid for break and enter and theft.

"The best case scenario (for the others) is they come before the justice committee and learn a lesson from this," he added.

With the ski club looking at several thousand dollars in repairs, club coach and treasurer Brian Terry is frustrated.

"One of the perpetrators actually stopped at the Newstand to brag about it," he said. "They should prosecute and make an example out of them."

It appears only one youth will face a judge for the crime, while the rest will most likely go the community justice route. In order to qualify for community justice, the accused has to admit to the crime and show remorse. As well, it has to be a first offence.

"Sled theft in town this year has actually gone down," said Fifield of the ongoing problem. "People are more aware and securing their sleds."