Pangnirtung thieves steal Christmas presents

One or more thieves in Pangnirtung, Nunavut, broke into the post office's storage roomover the weekend and stole Christmas presents.

The RCMP says the culprits opened all of the parcels and now many of the items are missing or damaged.

The hamlet's mayor, Sakiasie Sowdlooapik, says this theft is especially painful considering the time of year.

"This hurts us very much, it's not right, and we want to ask here in the community that this kind of crime not happen again," said Sowdlooapik.

Police and community members are asking for help to catch those responsible. People are asked to call the Pangnirtung RCMP detachment or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

A cash reward may be available for information.

Meanwhile, the Nunavut RCMP has been busy out in force for a different reasonwrapping and delivering toys to Nunavut communities.

This second annual toy drive, organized by the Toronto Santa Claus parade, collects toy donations. First Air then flies the toys to communities throughout the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.

So the families in Pangnirtung will still receive gifts in time for Christmas morning, evenafter the Grinch-like theft.