Inuvik (Mar 01/04) - Two would-be snowmobile thieves were foiled last week by the owner of the sled.

After the pair dragged the machine from under the house and took off, the owner gave chase and was able to corner the youth.

The gentleman, who did not want to be named, says the pair, who appeared to be under the age of 12, "weren't to happy" about being caught.

According to RCMP, the boys -- who were in fact between the ages of 12 and 18 -- were referred to the Justice Committee before being released into their parents' custody.

Cpl. Merle Carpenter says the detachment deals with "skidoo issues" several times a week and that snowmobile patrols are being employed to combat the problem.

"It's going to be happening more frequently with the warmer weather coming," he said.

Just last Wednesday evening (Feb. 25), another sled owner called RCMP to report their machine stolen.

After chasing the thieves down Spruce Hill Dr., the owner gave up the pursuit after the thieves nearly ran over two pedestrians.

While Cpl. Carpenter says he understands why people would want to pursue their stolen property, the RCMP is advising against the practice.