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Iqaluit crime slightly up

Neils Christensen
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Oct 20/03) - Crime in Iqaluit is on the rise.

The RCMP statistics for August and the year to date show increases in break and enter and property damage.

NNSL photo

Number of charges to date for this year compared to 2002 (in brackets):

  • Sexual Assault 41 (37)
  • Other Assault 343 (360)
  • and Enter 161 (126)
  • Damage 667 (451)
  • Driving 43 (23)
  • Liquor related charges 1,410 (1065)


  • "We are certainly busy in this detachment," said Const. Chris Coles, media liaison for the detachment. "Even though the numbers are up, I don't think there's a major problem."

    The RCMP has noticed is an increase in drinking and driving offences.

    "We are making an effort to target drunk driving and other alcohol related charges," Coles said.

    Although some stats are up, Coles said police aren't seeing major increases in assaults and sexual assaults.

    "We seem to be on par with last year, which is good news."

    Coles said that even though offences are up, much of it, is related to the increase in the city's population.

    "With more people coming here we're going to see more incidents of crime," he said.

    Iqaluit RCMP is taking steps to take a proactive approach to crime prevention, assigning officers to work with youth in school.

    "This is something we are really focusing on this year," said Coles. "We have been noticing some improvements with the youth."