Yellowknife has been hit by a series of break-ins this month, targeting everything from restaurants and hair salons to repeated attacks on the same school.
Mildred Hall School has been broken into four times over the past three weeks, according to principal Léa Lamoureux.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Lamoureux said several items were stolen during the incidents, primarily food from the school’s food program. She added that large wooden log seats from the school’s outdoor classrooms were also taken during the most recent break-in.
She stated the incidents were reported to the RCMP and YK1 school district office. Despite efforts to secure the building, the break-ins have continued.
Lamoureux confirmed the school’s alarms and security cameras are working and additional security measures are in place. She urged the public to report any suspicious activity near the school to RCMP as the holiday season approaches.
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“We’re thankful for the outpouring of support that we’ve seen from the community,” Lamoureux told Cabin Radio on Thursday.
Earlier this week, the downtown Yellowknife Wood Fired Pizzeria published a photograph of a break-in that occurred in the early hours of Sunday. The picture showed the shop’s glass entrance door shattered.
Meanwhile, the Blunt hair salon published a video of a separate break-in.
“This is our first break-in. Two guys broke-in around five o’clock in the morning. They must’ve crowbarred open the door that leads into the garage, then they smashed the window and climbed in,” said owner Olivia Patterson.
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“They were clearly looking for cash, which they did not find. They stole a drill and attempted to steal our computer, but couldn’t because I had it bolted down to the front desk. The police swabbed blood for DNA.”
Approached on Thursday, RCMP confirmed that between December 1 and December 18, the Yellowknife detachment received five reports of break-and-enters and one of an attempted break-and-enter. (One other affected business reached by Cabin Radio declined to speak on the record.)
A spokesperson said seven break-ins were reported during the same period last year.
“Several of these matters are being investigated as related and an update will be provided as more information becomes available,” RCMP said in an email.
Police are urging local businesses to adopt preventative measures.
Describing an approach of “crime prevention through environmental design,” RCMP said businesses should:
- install and activate alarm systems;
- get high-quality surveillance cameras’
- maintain interior and exterior lighting;
- control access keys or fobs;
- secure valuables; and
- consider extra protection like fencing, roll shutters or security bars.
“Budgeting for security measures such as sturdy locks, quality cameras, and alarm systems can be an effective long-term investment,” RCMP stated.
“These measures can reduce the risk of theft and assist in identifying suspects when offences occur.”
