Iqaluit (July 28/03) - Crime rate is increasing in Iqaluit, but RCMP aren't too concerned.

"Numbers are just that, numbers," said Cpl. Ed Anderson.

In the last six months, there has been an increase of 179 incidences compared to the same time last year.

"There could be a number of reasons why it is increasing; it could be people are being more comfortable with the police and feel safe and are reporting these incidents," said Anderson.

"We don't look at it as being alarming. If it was 500 or 600 then there would be cause for concern."

He said that a rise in break and enters, theft under $5,000 and property damages could be attributed to youth rings that were recently dismantled.

"There were a couple of groups causing us some headaches but those have been broken up," he said.

The largest increase was in disturbing the peace, which jumped to 554 from 272.

Assaults, impaired driving charges, drug offences and motor vehicle thefts were up as well.

Sexual assaults were down but liquor related offences were up by almost 200.