Break-in bandit caught, police say

By NUNATSIAQ NEWS

JOHN THOMPSON

Iqaluit RCMP arrested a young man they’re blaming for the rash of break-ins that swept town over the last month and a half.

Police pinned 17 counts of break-and-entry on Arnaitok Nuvaqiq, 19, after discovering him inside Arctic Ventures around 10:30 p.m. on Oct. 19.

Nuvaqiq had hidden himself inside the store and waited for the staff to pack up and leave, said Const. John Tagak. But he tripped an alarm, which tipped off police. They charged him with break-and-entry and held him in custody that evening.

The 17 extra counts would follow, after police matched Nuvaqiq’s footprints and other forensic evidence at earlier break-in scenes. Past break-ins also had similar entry methods, said Tagak.

Inuksuk High School, Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum, the Nunavut Wildlife Board office, Baffin Building Systems, Baffin Auto, the Arctic Winter Games Arena, Baffin Gas Bar, the post office, and the Anglican church were among the past break-in sites. Some of the 17 charges refer to multiple break-ins at the same site.

Police continue to investigate, and they expect these won’t be the only charges to follow Iqaluit’s autumn break-in spree.

“He didn’t work alone,” Tagak said.

Nuvaqiq is scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 15 at 9:30 a.m.

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