by Glenn Taylor
Northern News Services

INUVIK (Aug 29/97) - Two break-ins at the Inuvik Youth Centre last week forced the closure of the centre until the youths responsible were apprehended.

The centre was closed from Monday to Thursday last week by manager Jeff Amos. "I told the kids I would close the centre down until they help me find out who's breaking in," said Amos.

The threat worked, and a tip pointed RCMP to two 15-year-old boys who

later admitted to the break-ins.

The first break-in landed the youths a Canon Sure Shot camera owned by Amos, chips, candy and about $20 stolen from the Inuvik Justice Committee office located at the centre. The second theft netted about $150 in cash.

While police were studying a footprint on the door to help connect the crime with the perpetrator, Amos decided to close the centre down, and put the responsibility of solving the case at least partly in the hands of youth.

That tactic helped, and Amos said he's happy that a positive learning experience could be gained from the incident. But "it's too bad somebody else has to suffer for another person's stupidity."

One of the youths is a frequent offender and will face charges of break and enter in youth court on Sept. 15. The other is a first-time offender and has been turned over to the Inuvik Justice Committee to determine what should be done in his case. RCMP Const. Craig Thur said the second boy was clearly following the lead of the first.

Meanwhile, alterations on both doors of the youth centre will better secure the building from future break-ins. "I just don't want to see it happen again," said Amos.

The police are investigating a string of break and enters that have occurred over the last few weeks. The Balsom Trailer Court and other residences in the area have been hit recently, netting three break-ins and one attempted break-in.

Thur asked anybody who knows about the thefts to call the police. "These things always come in waves," said Thur. "Somebody's on a tear right now." He suspected it's the same people, because the same items are always taken, usually change, cigarettes and liquor. "These are related incidents it seems, that's for sure."

"The kids were pretty upset about the closure," said Amos. "It's sad for the kids that do come here because of the break-ins."