Tara Kearsey
Northern News Services

Iglulik (Oct 07/02) - The Co-op manager is having difficulty getting staff to work in the convenience store following a Sept. 1 armed robbery.

Isaac Gullage said nine employees who staff the store are worried they may become targets of the masked gunman who pointed a shotgun at the lone female clerk.

The robber escaped with more than $2,000 in cash.

Gullage is frustrated police have not arrested a suspect in the town of fewer than 1,300 people.

"We hear a lot of rumours. Everybody is saying who did it but nothing is happening," he said.

"Armed robbery is armed robbery and it should be given preference as far as I am concerned."

Iglulik RCMP Const. Rod Rudiak said he and the other officer in the detachment do have suspects, but also have to deal with regular complaints.

"The armed robbery is at the top of our list of priorities right now."

Rudiak explained they still have to deal with spousal assaults, break-and-enters and complaints of intoxicated persons causing a disturbance.

He added tips police have received have to be thoroughly investigated before an arrest can be made.

"It's not just arresting a person -- we want to convict them. That's why we have to build a strong case," said Rudiak.

But Gullage said the RCMP should call for assistance with their investigation if they are unable to address all criminal activity.

"If they haven't got the manpower to deal with it, they should have brought in reinforcements from Iqaluit," he said.