Cook Islands Police says CCTV security cameras are a standard requirement in this day and age.

Following the recent break-in at the Goldmine jewellery store and burglary at the TEM Store in Muri, police media officer Trevor Pitt says outlets trading in high value stock and accommodations must have cameras and sensor lighting as a priority.

The break-in at the Goldmine jewellery shop in Avarua, where amber jewellery, gold chains, and bracelets were stolen, occurred in the early hours of the New Year’s.

A passer-by who had been on a morning walk spotted the smashed front door at Goldmine and, just before 8am that morning, reported the incident to police headquarters, located about 200 metres away.

Investigation into the matter is still ongoing.

The TEM Store in Parengaru was reportedly burgled early yesterday morning, the latest in a string of recent break-ins in Rarotonga.

Pitt said cash, cigarettes and vapes were among the items stolen.

“CCTV security is a standard requirement in this day and age. Even more so if an outlet is trading in high value stock or commodities such as alcohol/cigarettes, electronics, jewellery or brand clothing,” Pitt said.

Late last year, a teenager was charged and sentenced with an order to pay $13,000 in reparation and complete 16 months’ probation after being convicted for high profile burglaries with two others in Rarotonga including Fave Designs that was targeted in early March 2023. Fave Design had a CCTV camera that showed the three committing the crime.

Pitt says that police often advise accommodators about preventative measures, especially those who have fallen victim to ongoing break-ins.

Around August last year, it was reported that six break-ins were reported to police in the Tikioki/Titikaveka areas involving the theft of cash. Some tourist accommodations were also targeted.

“Cameras and sensor lighting are priority recommendations for those facilities, which tend to be tucked away in secluded spots,” Pitt said.

“Might seem tranquil to a visitor but carries a high vulnerability due to the seclusion and absence of watchful neighbours,” he added.