Cash and credit cards were reported stolen from a tourist accommodation over the weekend.

Police spokesperson Trevor Pitt said the crime was committed in the Tikioki area and visitors reported items stolen, including cash and cards.

Pitt said that burglaries are up on the same period last year.

He said that the first seven months of this year have reported 54 break-ins, compared with 42 in the same period last year. He added that it is unfortunate that tourists are falling victim to burglaries on Rarotonga.

Pitt encouraged a concerted effort to reduce the risks of burglary.

In a statement, police said that improved awareness of break-ins around accommodation facilities is a must, especially as these incidents can threaten the reputation of the country as a safe destination.

“The reality of risks to property and cash is a message for the whole community to heed rather than gloss over.”

Pitt said that crime figures so far this calendar year are reflecting mixed results, but a significant influence continues to be the impact of increased visitor numbers on Rarotonga.

He said that there have been higher volumes of traffic and a broader scope of vulnerability to thieves, for example, increasing the risks to safety and security, particularly on the road and around accommodation facilities.

Meanwhile, other matters over the weekend involved a few domestic disturbances, and Maiarii Short was again found in breach of curfew conditions.

She has breached multiple court orders, Pitt said.

LL/Police