SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - A young man may have found temporary relief in front of Adam Dental Clinic on Sunday morning, but his urinating on the business's flowers may come back to haunt him.

A surveillance camera records a man urinating in Adam Dental Clinic's garden.

Krista Johnson from Adam Dental Clinic hopes the publication of surveillance stills will persuade vandals to think twice, following a weekend of shenanigans.

"We want these pictures to act as a passive deterrent," Johnson said.

The images were caught on camera at about 3 a.m. Sunday morning, and show the man tinkling in a flower box beside the clinic's entrance.

Johnson, a longtime employee and administrator at the clinic, said hours of hard work go into beautifying the property.

"It took us two days to plant our garden. It takes time, it's expensive, and a lot of care and maintenance goes into it," Johnson said.

She said small acts of vandalism occur often, but about twice a year the garden is severely vandalized, which led the clinic to install surveillance equipment last year.

The clinic has chosen not to press charges in this instance, and is not concerned that these images may encourage vandalism on a larger scale.

"If someone goes to town on the garden, we will press charges," Johnson said.

There is growing frustration with constantly having to clean up the premises.

"It's discouraging and disheartening. It makes you wonder why we bother. But of course, we'll always keep the place pretty," Johnson said.

Const. Kathy Law of the RCMP said the perpetrator could be charged under section 175 of the Criminal Code - causing disturbance, indecent exhibition, and loitering.

If the man is identified, the RCMP will not press charges unless a file is opened by a member of the public.

Law applauds anyone who follows the clinic's example on security.

"We encourage people to do exactly what Adam Dental Clinic has done, by putting up their own cameras. Also, cut back shrubs, keep lights on, and get a guard dog.

Krista Johnson has one simple request to passersby: "Sniff the flowers, enjoy them. Just don't rip them out."