The new youth centre in Inuvik, N.W.T. has had three break-ins in the last four weeks and now staff is saying they have to increase security.

Since the first break-in, on July 11, the centre has put chains on the fridge, cabinets and doors of the facility.

During the first two thefts, video games, a computer and food were taken. There were also signs that the culprits used the centre’s guitars and played pool.

The facility’s executive director, Samantha Stokell, said the new security measures thwarted a third attempt just last week.

“We came in and someone had broken the chains and tried to come in again, but luckily our second set of doors seemed to stop them.”

Stokell has contacted the RCMP and asked parents to keep an eye on their children to see if they bring home anything new.

Davonna Kasook, an employee at the centre whose laptop was stolen, calls the thefts sad.

“That the kids would disrespect the youth centre and the stuff here – and the fact that it's my own personal computer – it kind of bothers me, because I thought it would be safe here.”

Staff at the youth centre is now considering other options, including bars on the windows, cameras and finding the funding for a security guard.