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SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
Police have identified a person of interest in at least one recent break-in involving a residential home but are still asking the public to take safety precautions.

The investigation into this person's involvement in a rash of residential break and enters is in the early stages, said RCMP Const. Kathy Law, who did not identify where the residential break-ins have taken place.

Police are unsure if the person of interest could be connected to more than one of the residential break-in incidents in town.

"They're still following up on different leads and going from there," said Law.

So far in 2012, there have been 46 possible break-ins in Yellowknife in total, five less than this time last year. Fourteen of those incidents occurred between April 1 and May 11. In 2011, there were 22 break-ins during the same time period.

Law said when the weather starts to warm up, police often see an increase in the number of break and enters in the area.

"It does seem to trend up a little bit because there are more people out and about," she said. "It makes it a little easier when it's warmer out than when it's - 40 C."

It's not only homes being targeted. Last week, three businesses in the W.H. Bromley building on Franklin Avenue were broken into. Police have not stated if there are suspects in this break-in, but the incident is still under investigation.

The suspect entered the building, which houses Vixen Hair Den, Rio Tinto Diavik Diamond Mine's head office and Chez Patricia, through the back door of one of the shops. The perpetrator then broke through the walls to get into the two other businesses on either side.

The suspect stole a small amount of money from one of the shops, according to police.

To deter thieves, police advise that homeowners cut back shrubs and keep their property well lit. Law also suggested that the public keep an eye out for suspicious behaviour and be cautious about anyone selling door-to-door.

"It could just be them wondering if someone is at home. So just be leery about that kind of thing. If you do suspect it is suspicious in nature, by all means call the RCMP so we can follow up," Law said.

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