Ten boxes, or 248 kg (550 lbs.) of explosive material used for blasting have been stolen from Yukon Pump Sales and Services Ltd. just north of Whitehorse.

Whitehorse RCMP said late this morning each of the boxes contains two five-inch wide and 36-inch long cartridges.

The putty-like substance is in tubes of white plastic wrap with the word 'Tovite' written on it in red ink.

The report of the theft from the business off the Mayo Road came into police at 12:05 p.m. Tuesday after occurring sometime after 10:30 p.m. last Friday, police said.

Cpl. Grant MacDonald said the thieves entered the shop by breaking a lock on the door.

It's his understanding the explosives cannot be detonated on their own, but need another product to do so.

A description of potential suspects has not been compiled.

Police are asking that anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity around Yukon Pump or who have come into contact with the explosives to contact them at 667-5555 or, to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Yukon Pump's manager was unavailable at press time early this afternoon to comment on the theft.