Kent Driscoll
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Oct 28/05) - Police have charged Arnaitok Nuvaqiq, 19, with 16 counts of break and enters and one count of mischief in connection to a three-month crime spree that stretched across the capital.

Police say they made the arrest thanks to a set of footprints.

"One of the big factors was the footware impressions. They played a big role," said Iqaluit RCMP Const. John Tagak.

Police dog services, the forensic identification section and the Nunavut major crime unit all played a role in the arrest.

In September, Iqaluit RCMP Cpl. Jimmy Akavak told Nunavut News/North that, "It's the same group of people involved. We've just got to catch up to them."

Tagak explained that the list of stolen items is being witheld, as it is a major part of the evidence against the suspect.

The crime spree began on Aug. 28 when the Wildlife Office at the four corners was broken into. The next day, the Royal Canadian Legion, the Elder's Qammaq and the Public Health building were broken into.

On Aug. 31, Canada Post and Qairulik Outfitting were broken into.

In September Baffin Gas, Baffin Auto, the Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum and the Arctic Winter Games Arena fell victim to break and enters.

October saw Inuksuk high school broken into twice and Baffin Gas getting hit again

Iqaluit Cable, St. Judes Anglican Church, Baffin Building Systems and Tittaq Office Supplies rounded out the list.

Nuvaqiq is scheduled to make his first appearance in the Nunavut court of justice to answer to the 17 charges on Nov. 15.