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INUVIK
Snowmobiles are not solely a fun toy but a primary mode of transportation in the North. With thefts of the machines rising more than 100 per cent from last year, the Inuvik RCMP department is getting the word out to the community about how to protect the equipment and how to ride safely this winter.

Const. Neal Machek presented an RCMP report at council last week stating snowmobile thefts have gone up 100 per cent since last year. - Katherine Hudson/NNSL photo

Tips to prevent snowmobile theft • Park your snowmobile in a well-lit area • Mark your snowmobile with an identification number • Disable your snowmobile at night • Invest in anti-theft devices • Record all identifying information on your snowmobile • Securely lock all of the equipment

"It isn't a rampant issue, but it is an issue in the community, " said Staff Sgt. Wayne Norris.

At the Jan. 9 committee of the whole meeting, Const. Neal Machek presented council with a report on the rash of thefts in the community over the past three months.

Machek said 13 snowmobiles have been stolen in Inuvik since October. Last year, six snowmobiles were stolen during the same time period.

"There's no garages to store the toys, so everyone sees them," said Machek.

"A lot of snowmobiles were reported stolen, but 80 per cent have been recovered, which is a pretty good stat."

The detachment has come up with a list of safety and theft prevention tips that will be distributed throughout the community, which include: parking the snowmobile in a well-lit area, mark the machine with an identification number, disable the snowmobile at night, invest in anti-theft devices and securely lock all equipment.

"I'm trying to get it more out to the community for how to prevent it mainly because a lot of the onus falls on the owner of the property. You're buying something that can be upwards of $10,000 so you want to protect your investments," said Machek.

Machek's report is two-fold, discussing theft prevention tips as well as safety tips for snowmobile users.

"People with no helmets is pretty common and children on laps," said Machek.

Machek said it's imperative for snowmobilers to inform others of their destination and estimated time of arrival, inspect their snowmobile for mechanical issues, wear suitable clothing for cold weather, wear a helmet and carry a first aid kit.

On the trail, Machek says to use snowmobile trails whenever possible and reduce speed in unfamiliar territory. He said drivers should be aware of ice conditions when traversing over lakes and rivers and if in doubt, check with authorities and at night, snowmobilers should slow down and avoid driving along road shoulders where lights from either snowmobiles or vehicles can cause confusion. Also, Machek stressed to never drive a snowmobile or a vehicle if impaired by alcohol or drugs.

He said he will continue to monitor both snowmobile theft and safety in the community but hopes his tips nudge snowmobilers to drive carefully and take care of their machines.

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