Iqaluit (Sep 18/06) - Businesses in Pangnirtung are wringing their hands over a string of smash-and-grab robberies that have carried over from summer.

Peter Wilson, general manager of Uqqurmiut Centre for Arts and Crafts, said thieves smashed a window Sept. 12 and made off with a carving, just days after 10 other pieces were stolen on the weekend.

"We're repairing windows as fast as they're broken," Wilson said. "The cost adds up."

Lloyd Acheson, manager of High Arctic Enterprises, said his store had an office window smashed the same weekend. Nothing was stolen in that incident - perhaps thanks to an alarm - but Acheson said thieves dug a hole under the floor of the company's warehouse and stole snacks, dog food and propane.

Both Wilson and Acheson can list several local business and offices that have been the target of thieves in recent months.

A hamlet employee who didn't want her name used said RCMP crime figures presented to hamlet council for the month of August are the highest on record.

Acheson said he and others in the community know who's behind the break-ins, but he added that people in the community are reluctant to pass information to the police for fear of retribution.

"It's hard for the RCMP," he said. "They're just as frustrated as we are."

Const. Chris Smith of Pangnirtung's three-member detachment downplayed speculation on the identity of the thieves. He said police are encouraging residents to come to them with information on the crimes or phone the anonymous tip line Crimestoppers. In the meantime, the police and bylaw officers plan to increase the frequency of their patrols, Smith said.

"A lot of times when you have that sort of thing, prices go up," he said.

Losses from all the incidents reach into the thousands of dollars, Acheson said.

Allan Worth, who owns contracting company Napu Works has about "10 or 15" jobs on the go due to the spate of property crime. But he's taking no joy from the boom in business, since his building supply store was also targeted by vandals earlier this year.

"I wasn't too impressed, let me tell you," he said.