The RCMP detachment in Arviat is asking the community to come forward with information after a series of tyre‑slashing incidents that have damaged at least a dozen vehicles over the past few months and left a local business facing tens of thousands of dollars in losses.
Pattern of attacks since April
Police say the first reported incident occurred on April 16, and since then there have been five more incidents in the hamlet, mostly targeting the yard of Eskimo Point Lumber Supplies and a local elders' centre. RCMP spokesperson Sgt. George Henrie confirmed the damage spread across 12 vehicles.
Eskimo Point Lumber Supplies' projects manager, Ryan Crawley, told the media the company has lost 28 tyres, adding that replacing them is costly because they must be purchased in the south and freighted north. He estimated the damage at about $20,000.
“It’s a pain,”
Crawley said, emphasising the logistical and financial burden of finding replacement tyres for company work trucks in a remote community.
When and where the incidents occurred
RCMP say the slashings have happened at varying times and appear to be random. Local reports indicate attacks occurred overnight on at least two recent occasions this week: once on Sunday night and again on Tuesday. The incidents have primarily affected company vehicles stored at commercial premises, and at least one community service location was also targeted.
How the damage ripples through the community
In a community where goods frequently arrive by sealift or ordered from southern suppliers, the loss of vehicle tyres is more than a nuisance. Replacement costs include purchase price, shipping and handling, and lead time. Crawley stressed the inability to simply walk into a local store to replace tyres, underlining how remote supply chains magnify the cost of vandalism.
Beyond direct monetary losses, damaged work trucks can hamper essential local services and slow construction, maintenance and delivery work that rely on reliable vehicles. Targets like the elders' centre raise concerns about safety and the protection of community infrastructure.
RCMP appeal and how to report tips
Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the Arviat RCMP detachment directly, or to call Crime Stoppers at 1‑800‑222‑TIPS (8477). Police say tips, no matter how small they seem, can be crucial to identifying those responsible.
- Number of vehicles damaged: 12
- Tyres lost by Eskimo Point Lumber Supplies: 28
- Estimated damage: $20,000
- First reported incident: April 16
Context and practical information for residents
Residents concerned about similar vandalism can take practical steps to protect property and support police investigations:
- Report suspicious activity to RCMP rather than confronting individuals.
- Keep an incident log with dates and times of any disturbances near property.
- Consider low‑cost deterrents such as motion‑activated lights or security cameras where feasible.
- Community members with dashcam or home camera footage should preserve recordings and provide copies to police.
Given the seasonal light in Nunavut and the small size of hamlets like Arviat, neighbours often notice unusual comings and goings. Police emphasise that even small details — a licence plate fragment, a vehicle description or a time window — can be valuable.
| Item | Figure |
|---|---|
| Vehicles damaged | 12 |
| Tyres lost (Eskimo Point) | 28 |
| Estimated cost | $20,000 |
Community response
Local business owners and residents expressed frustration at the disruption. For Eskimo Point Lumber Supplies, the loss is not only financial but also operational. For a company that depends on reliable vehicles to serve the hamlet, each slashed tyre represents downtime and added expense.
Community members are being asked to remain vigilant and to report anything that could assist police. The RCMP continue to investigate and have not released details about suspects or motives. For now, the priority for many in Arviat is preventing further damage and ensuring community services remain unaffected.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Arviat RCMP or Crime Stoppers at 1‑800‑222‑TIPS (8477). Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
