Inuvik (Sep 01/06) - After money was taken from the Rapid Travel office during a break-in last week, some Northwestel customers are being asked to come back in with proof that they paid their bills.

The travel agency office serves the community as the bill payment agent for the phone and Internet provider.

The only customers that need to be concerned about the missing cash and records are those who paid their bills in cash Friday, Aug. 25, said Anne Kennedy, director of corporate communications with Northwestel.

A safe was stolen during a break-in on Monday, Aug. 21. In the safe was cash from fundraising initiatives as well as money received for phone bills and records of the payment transactions.

Kennedy explained that records are faxed to head office the following morning for processing. "So in this case, the Friday money is deposited on Monday morning and processed," said Kennedy.

"We're asking customers to bring in their receipts to our agent in Inuvik," said Kennedy. "(Or) call customer care at Northwestel. There may be other ways to prove your payment."

The records from payments made on Thursday, Aug. 24 and earlier were valid entered into the system.