INUVIK
After two early morning break-ins to Originals on Mackenzie in as many months, owner Arlene Hansen says, more than anything, she is disappointed.

The front window of Originals on Mackenzie was smashed in on Jan. 4 and thieves made away with the $500 float from the cash register, said owner Arlene Hansen. - Elaine Anselmi/NNSL photo

"It actually breaks my heart because I think more of my community than that," said Hansen. "I work hard and I give back to my community ... I felt let down."

Just before 5 a.m. on Jan. 5, Hansen received a call from Arctic Alarms that her system had been set off.

"They smashed the window open this time," said Hansen. "They smashed it and the alarm was triggered and the cash float in the till was missing."

The $500 float was slightly more of a loss than in the previous break-in. In mid-November, approximately $320 was taken, using the same front window as a point of entry. During the first break-in, the window was removed from its frame, with the glass left intact.

The window was reattached and secured firmly, which is likely why, Hansen said, this time around it was broken.

After a second robbery in such a short time, Hansen said the lesson was learned and the cash float is now locked up in a safe, along with the jewelry.

"Other measures have been taken now," said Hansen. "We now have a camera that operates in the dark and security roller blinds."

Hansen said she is taking measures at the store that she never thought she would need to.

"I've been in business for 25 years, this is my fourth break-in in 25 years," said Hansen.

"I'm disappointed it has come to this. Having an alarm, I thought (that) was deterrent enough. I thought having an alarm and giving back to my community would deter people from doing this because now I have no money to give back."

Between the cost of replacing the shattered front window and the investment into new security features, Hansen estimated she would be out approximately $10,000.

"The amount of money it's going to cost to do this puts a big hole in my pocket," said Hansen. "It takes away from funds I would have given back to the community."

No suspects have been identified in the case and no arrests have been made, but RCMP Const. Elenore Sturko said the investigation is ongoing.

"If anyone has any information we're asking them to call the Inuvik RCMP at 777-1111 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477," said Sturko. Tips can be submitted anonymously at nwtnutips.com or by texting 274637.