Inuvik (Sep 08/06) - With a rash of vandalism sweeping through Inuvik, the town's deputy mayor is questioning why retailers are selling spray paint and crowbars to kids.

"Common sense should tell you that children will not be making legal use of spray paint and crowbars," said Arlene Hansen.

Home Hardware clerk Troy Patie, 21, says he's suspicious when kids buy spray-paint and crowbars because they might be used for vandalism. He is shown here selling bicycle tubes to Brody Firth, 12. - Philippe Morin/NNSL photo

Home Hardware/ Norm's Building Supply on Mackenzie Road is one store that has been making the sales.

Clerk Troy Patie said some young boys - he guessed they are about 12-years-old but said they could be younger - have come in and bought spray paint a few times.

In the past two weeks, Patie said, he's also sold crowbars to kids on two occasions.

"They don't say nothing - they look kind of embarrassed, keeping their hats low," he said.

Patie said he hesitated before selling the items to kids, but ultimately chose to allow it.

He said it would be unfair to discriminate against young people and presume they are all vandals.

"A lot of kids buy spray paint to repaint their bicycles and that's all they're doing," he said.

But when asked about crowbars, Patie said he couldn't imagine why a 12-year-old would need one.

He said he asked the boys why they needed a crowbar, but they didn't give him a clear answer.

"You can ask (why they are buying) but they don't say," he added.

Since July 1, RCMP say there have been 35 break-ins committed in Inuvik.

On Aug. 28, Staff Sgt. Sid Gray reported to council that a "core group" of five youth - all under 18 - are soon expected to be charged.

He said it is believed the youth are responsible for many of Inuvik's recent break-ins.

These possibly include vandalism at the community greenhouse and Samuel Hearne secondary school.

As of press time, RCMP had no information as to whether or not crow bars were used in any of the recent break-ins.

Dave Armstrong, another clerk at the Home Hardware store, said there is no policy against selling crowbars or paint to anyone - especially since they are, after all, legal tools.

"We don't police the sale of tools," Armstrong said.

However, he added clerks should perhaps "play it by ear" if they think young customers are acting suspiciously.

He said the store doesn't allow kids to buy slingshots or air rifles without parental supervision.

George Staples, manager/contract sales at Arctic True Value, said his store has also had trouble with youth.

"We usually just boot them out," he said of familiar groups, who sometimes come in five or six at a time.

When asked whether the store would sell a crowbar or spray-paint to a 12-year-old, Staples said "probably not."

"Off the top of my head, I would think most of them would be up to no good," he said.

He added the True Value store has been broken into several times, and has also been a victim of vandalism and stealing.

According to Canadian law, it is possible for anyone to buy a crowbars or spray paint, regardless of age. In May 2006, however, London, Ontario was the first Canadian city to pass a bylaw banning the sale of spray paint to anyone under 18.