Information from community members has led to the arrest of a 23-year old man suspected of committing a raft of burglaries in Avarua.

The man, who is also suspected of having burgled two well-known local businesses in Avarua at the weekend, is in police custody and will appear in court today.

Police say it was thanks to information from the public and the help of a 16-year old that they were able to arrest the suspect.

Officers found items stolen from Raro Mart and Raina Traders in the area where they arrested the man.

Both businesses, located near each other opposite the Punanga Nui Market playground, were targeted by burglars early on Sunday morning.

They were just two of a number of burglaries on stores and tourist accommodation across the island at the weekend. The incidents have raised concern across the wider community at the escalating number of burglaries and thefts.

“We encourage others with information on any crime to come forward and tell us,” says Tetava.

While police see the arrest as a positive outcome, local businesses say more needs to be done to support Rarotonga police.

Raro Mart director Don Carlaw knows all too well how it feels to be a victim of burglary. His car sales business, Rarocars was burgled over the weekend of September 13. Stolen were a safe containing $24000 in cash and cheques as well as high value equipment and other items.

The case is still unsolved despite Carlaw offering a reward of $2500 for information that will lead to the successful prosecution of whoever was responsible for the theft.

Just three months later, Carlaw is dealing with another burglary, although this time he is unsure exactly what was stolen from the large Raro Mart warehouse.

“We are not too sure and it will take us two weeks of stocktaking to really see what was taken.”

While he agrees it’s good news that police have apprehended a suspect in relation to the burglary on his business, a fed-up Carlaw says crime on Rarotonga has escalated to the point where it is getting completely out of control.

“It’s just like a joke or some kind of sport to the people who are committing these crimes,” he says.

“Even if they are convicted they get off really lightly.”

Meanwhile, police commissioner Maara Tetava thanks the public for their support in getting a positive outcome in the case. He says investigations are continuing.

Information from community members has led to the arrest of a 23-year old man suspected of committing a raft of burglaries in Avarua.

The man, who is also suspected of having burgled two well-known local businesses in Avarua at the weekend, is in police custody and will appear in court today.

Police say it was thanks to information from the public and the help of a 16-year old that they were able to arrest the suspect.

Officers found items stolen from Raro Mart and Raina Traders in the area where they arrested the man.

Both businesses, located near each other opposite the Punanga Nui Market playground, were targeted by burglars early on Sunday morning.

They were just two of a number of burglaries on stores and tourist accommodation across the island at the weekend. The incidents have raised concern across the wider community at the escalating number of burglaries and thefts.

“We encourage others with information on any crime to come forward and tell us,” says Tetava.

While police see the arrest as a positive outcome, local businesses say more needs to be done to support Rarotonga police.

Raro Mart director Don Carlaw knows all too well how it feels to be a victim of burglary. His car sales business, Rarocars was burgled over the weekend of September 13. Stolen were a safe containing $24000 in cash and cheques as well as high value equipment and other items.

The case is still unsolved despite Carlaw offering a reward of $2500 for information that will lead to the successful prosecution of whoever was responsible for the theft.

Just three months later, Carlaw is dealing with another burglary, although this time he is unsure exactly what was stolen from the large Raro Mart warehouse.

“We are not too sure and it will take us two weeks of stocktaking to really see what was taken.”

While he agrees it’s good news that police have apprehended a suspect in relation to the burglary on his business, a fed-up Carlaw says crime on Rarotonga has escalated to the point where it is getting completely out of control.

“It’s just like a joke or some kind of sport to the people who are committing these crimes,” he says.

“Even if they are convicted they get off really lightly.”

Meanwhile, police commissioner Maara Tetava thanks the public for their support in getting a positive outcome in the case. He says investigations are continuing.