The Yukon government has assigned security guards to patrol the parking lot at the Erik Nielsen Whitehorse International Airport in Whitehorse after several vehicles were vandalized over the weekend.
Security guards have been carrying out four patrols each night since Monday. The government is also planning to install security cameras at the parking lot, and is currently finalizing costs.
“Recent incidents have demonstrated that this work is required to protect Yukoners’ property,” said Highways and Public Works Minister Scott Kent in a news release.
More than a dozen vehicles were vandalized at the airport last weekend in various ways, including smashed windows and damaged interiors, according to RCMP spokesperson Julia Fox. In an email to the News, Fox said items were taken from the vehicles, including loose change, electronics, and tobacco products.
“Whitehorse RCMP members continue to investigate reports of mischief and theft that are being received as people return home from their trips,” she said. The RCMP are still looking for the person or people responsible for the damage.
This is the second time in just over a month that vehicles parked at the airport have been targeted. In early August, 20 vehicles had their windows smashed, and a 1999 Toyota Tercel was stolen.
The RCMP are reminding people not to leave valuables in their vehicles, and to get a ride to the airport instead of parking their vehicles there whenever possible.