Police make arrests in Pangnirtung post office theft

Police in Pangnirtung say they have made two arrests and recovered most of the stolen items in relation to a December break-in at the community’s Canada Post storeroom. (FILE PHOTO)

Police in Pangnirtung have made an arrest in connection with a December break-in and theft at the community’s Canada Post storage facility, the RCMP said Jan. 3.

Police arrested 20-year-old Pangnirtung resident Moar Akulukjuk, who faces 19 charges, including break and enter, theft, breach of probation, theft of mail and resisting arrest.

A 17-year-old boy has also been arrested and now faces four counts, including break and enter, and theft of mail.

Police believe the pair broke into Pangnirtung’s Canada Post storeroom sometime between the evening of Dec. 17 and the morning of Dec. 19, while the office was closed, where they damaged and stole a number of parcels.

It has been difficult to track exactly what was stolen, although police now say they were able to recover most items in time for Christmas.

That’s good news for Pangnirtung residents, some of whom feared facing a gift-less Christmas during the post office’s busiest time of year.

In its Jan. 3 news release, the RCMP thanked members of the community, who they say provided “critical information” that led to the arrests of the two suspects.

Akulukjuk is scheduled to appear in court Jan. 10 in Iqaluit. The 17-year-old was released from custody and will appear in court February in Pangnirtung.

Under the Youth Justice Act, the names of young persons aged 12 to 17 who are charged with criminal offences may not be published or broadcast.

RCMP members in Pangnirtung are still asking anyone with more information about the incident to come forward. People may call the Pangnirtung RCMP detachment at (867) 473-0123 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 to report information.