INUVIK
Some Inuvik taxi drivers are fuming over a series of break-ins in their vehicles over the last six weeks.

A rash of damage and break-ins to Inuvik taxis over the last seven weeks have drivers fuming and looking for answers. Driver Frank Folup paid nearly $800 to replace the rear window on his taxi before another window was broken on his vehicle. photo courtesy of Frank Folup

While most aren't willing to speak on the record about the issue, Frank Folup provided the Inuvik Drum with photos of the damage to his vehicle and acted as an informal spokesperson.

The incidents began around seven weeks ago, Folup said in an interview May 6, and at least 10 vehicles have been targeted.

Folup said he's had two windows broken so far in the vandalism and break-ins. He replaced his back window at a cost of nearly $800, only to have his driver's front window broken a few days later.

"That cost $790 out of my own pocket for the back window," he said. "I'm just getting a piece of plexiglass put in on the front window today."

As most people who own vehicles know, it can be difficult to fix any damage to automobile windows in Inuvik without a lengthy and expensive wait. Taxi drivers can't readily afford to have their vehicles off the road for a prolonged period, so this kind of damage really hurts, Folup said.

Another driver, who refused to provide his name to prevent him from becoming a target, said he had spotted the latest damage to Folup's cab early one morning recently.

They said they suspect it's likely the taxis are being targeted by thieves looking for money and electronics in the vehicles, although it appears they're not finding much of either.

Folup said whoever damaged his vehicle didn't bother with his two-way radio or a small computer used by taxi drivers, since there isn't much use for the equipment for other purposes.

Both men expressed frustration with the official police response and that of the town's bylaw department.

The unidentified driver attributed the incidents to a group of five youths. He said he has knowledge they are the culprits, but since they're youths, the RCMP "isn't interested" in following up too aggressively.

"They say they can't do much about it because they are young offenders and there's too much paperwork involved," the man said.

Folup said he's spoken to the RCMP each time his vehicle has been damaged, but little information has been forthcoming.

"They just said if I hear or see anything to let them know," he said. "I don't think it's up to us to do their job for them."

The RCMP didn't respond to a request for a comment on the incidents.

Folup said that while most of the incidents involved taxis, he knew town councillor Clarence Wood had also suffered damage to his vehicle.

Jim Sawkins, the head of the town's protective services department, said he was aware of the problems with the taxis.

Patrols by his constables are being stepped up, he said, and they're keeping a closer eye on the taxis.

Sawkins added it's not an unusual problem during this time of year as the 24 hours of daylight creeps closer. Vandalism tends to spike during the summer months, he said.

"This is just the start," Sawkins added.

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