Iqaluit RCMP look into theft and vandalism incidents

Iqaluit RCMP are investigating a string of crimes in the area near the Frobisher Inn.

They occurred late Thursday night or early Friday morning. A taxi was vandalized in a parking lot behind an adjacent apartment building.

Its windows were smashed and a tire was punctured.

A taxi driver employed by Pai-Pa Taxiowns the van and contracts it out to the company.

The owner of Pai-Pa Taxi, Craig Dunphy, estimatesthe damage could cost as much as $6,000 to repair. He says it's a big loss for the driver.

"Now he has no income. And despite a lot of the rumours around town, taxi drivers are not rich people," Dunphy said.

The cab was parked in the same spot where another taxi was vandalized three weeks ago. Its windows were also smashed, and tires punctured.

That vehicle was contracted to Caribou Cabs.

The area needs more cameras and lighting, Dunphy said.

Meanwhile, the police are investigating another crime in the same area in the same time period. They say someone pried open a door at Inuksuk High School and stole a lap top computer.

The R.C.M.P. are investigating the incidents separately, but haven't ruled out a connection.