Yellowknife (Oct 25/04) - A curfew for young people is being proposed as one way to curb vandalism and other crime in Hay River.

The town's protective services committee, chaired by Coun. Robert Bouchard, is discussing the concept.

"We think it's something we have to look at," Bouchard says, pointing to the increasing rates of vandalism and break-ins.

No details of a curfew have yet been worked out, such as the time and the ages of youth that could be affected.

"Right now, it's just an idea," Bouchard says.

His committee will examine the logistics, such as how it would be enforced and who would be fined -- the youth or their parents.

The idea will then be taken for public consultation.

"It's not something you jump right into," Bouchard says.

The councillor doesn't think a curfew is the only answer to the vandalism problem.

"But it will be beneficial."

There will be no curfew until the spring because vandalism decreases in the colder months.