Christine Grimard
Northern News Services
Wednesday, July 18, 2007

RANKIN INLET - Vandalism has spiked over the past two weeks in Rankin Inlet, according to RCMP.

Businesses and residents are falling victim to tire slashing and broken signs, usually rare occurrences according to RCMP Sgt. Gavin Nash.

"Property crime here is very minimum," said Nash. "Usually I'd be surprised to see any."

Angela Dale, who manages food services at the Northern, arrived to work to find that the Quickstop sign was damaged overnight July 7.

In addition to the sign, chairs at the newly renovated Quickstop were recently ripped and Dale found the back of one of the chairs folded over.

Representatives from KFC are expected to arrive this week to Rankin Inlet for the first time.

"When they come, the first thing they're going to see is a broken sign," said Dale. "I don't think it's a proper representation of Rankin Inlet."

Bob Woods, the purchasing manager for Umingmak Supply Ltd., was also surprised to show up to work and find four tires slashed on the company vehicle.

"It's so senseless, there's just no reason behind it," said Woods.

Woods has only been in town a few months, but his early impression is that the spate of crime is uncharacteristic of the community.

"Most of the people I've met are such nice people," said Woods.

The Northern will now have to pay to replace the Quickstop sign, likely to cost thousands of dollars, according to Dale.

Woods said he will have to order new tires from the South, likely to cost over $1,000.

The vehicle will also be out of commission for a few weeks. Nash said the RCMP increased its number of evening patrols, but he's skeptical of how much that will help reduce the crimes.

"It's not hard to see the big white police truck coming down the road," said Nash.

He said the cause of the recent crime spree is likely the good weather, and kids not having much to do around town.

He also said with Rankin Inlet being a hub for the Kivalliq, the offenders could come from other communities.

With the culprits possibly bragging about what they've done, anyone with information is encouraged to contact the police.

During a council meeting July 10, hamlet Coun. Justin Merritt suggested hiring a few students to patrol the streets at night, from midnight to 6 a.m., and report incidents to the police.