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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - The young thief who vandalized a tree at Adam Dental Clinic in order to steal some balloons was busted by the business's security cameras.

A group of youngsters were caught on camera in front of the clinic at around 10:30 p.m. April 14. One member of the group made a dash to grab a group of balloons tied to an expensive artificial tree, knocking it over, pulling the top off and dragging it on the ground to get the balloons free.

This youth was caught on security video knocking over a tree and making off with five balloons outside Adam Dental Clinic. Staff ask anyone who recognizes the thief contact them so they may put the culprit to work. - photo courtesy of Adam Dental Clinic

"We're not pressing charges," said Krista Johnson, an Adam Dental Clinic employee. "We want to give the young person the opportunity to fess up."

Though the RCMP has been contacted about the matter, the individual who took the balloons won't be hauled off to court. Johnson said the youth can learn a lesson by being put to work for a day doing "something really boring and tedious to make them think ' I never want to do this again.'"

Johnson said they just want to teach the person responsible a lesson.

"It took time for someone to put (the balloons) out there, so we're going to take a little of your time," she said.

The tree did not suffer any permanent damage.

"I think a lot of the businesses are tired of the vandalism," said Johnson.

The security cameras were installed after years of vandalism by unknown culprits.

Last year the clinic was awarded the commercial lawn and garden award from the city, only to have flowers ripped out of the garden and thrown on the sidewalk last August.

In May 2007, one of two prized benches was stolen from in front of the clinic's entrance - but was returned nearly two years later.

"We encourage the businesses to put in security cameras to keep track of anything that goes on outside of the business," said RCMP Const. Kathy Law.

"We also encourage that the public or any witnesses report suspicious activity, such as vandalism, to the RCMP."