A teenager has been caught and charged with attempted burglary and being unlawfully found following a burglary in Tupapa on Monday.

The charges were confirmed by Cook Islands Police Service spokesperson Trevor Pitt who said the matter has been prepared for referral to the Juvenile Crime Prevention Committee (JCPC).

Tupapa resident Talissa Koteka took to social media on Monday urging and warning residents of Tupapa and Matavera to be wary of the perpetrator as this was not the first time he has done this.

“This morning this individual attempted to break into our home for the second time. The first time we caught him in the act, exiting and running from our house back in May,” she said.

“Today, he waited for my car to leave home before trying his luck again. Thankfully our security camera deterred him. He is known to the police for similar offences in the area. I urge everyone to ensure their homes are secure. Please remain vigilant and look out for one another.”

Videos and photos of the perpetrator as posted on social media showed him peeping through the windows and door of the house trying to break in.

Meanwhile, members of the public expressed concerns over the young man’s constant illegal actions and the legal process which continuously lets such young perpetrators dodge their crimes and punishment.

Leanna Chappell-Kairua commented on Koteka’s post saying the normal process in dealing with juvenile criminals results in them being protected.

“Unfortunately the Police hand it to this youth committee. Its all done under cover and swept away and kept confidential to protect the juveniles. I know I've just been through it and it is totally crazy wrong,” she said.

Asked about what police are doing about such serial juvenile offenders who seem to be getting away with their crimes through the legal process, Pitt said police have no say as they only apprehend the juveniles who they all referred to the JCPC.

He confirmed that the juvenile offender is known to the police and referral to the JCPC is the normal process for dealing with juveniles 15 years and under.

“I am unable to disclose details regarding identity and other aspects of offending due to the age. These matters are subject to the legal process regarding juveniles and not for publication - and as such, the FB post is inappropriate,” he said.

Meanwhile, he added that the offending juveniles are normally given a warning or the matter discussed with the parents, or referredto the children’s court and go from there.