Cook Islands Police received a complaint from tourists whose backpacks were snatched from suspects on a motorbike on Tuesday.

According to police, this kind of offence – bag snatching – “does happen from time to time”.

The alleged suspects who were on a motorbike grabbed the bags from an area opposite Café Puretu at the Takitumu District.

Police media and strategic advisor Trevor Pitt said they investigated a lead, but was unsuccessful. 

Pitt confirmed that one bag was recovered later in the day from the backroad area of Tikioki. 

A passport inside the bag confirmed the ownership being the complainant from earlier in the day. 

“The bag and contents were returned to the owner. Also, Police have screenshots of the suspects on a red motorbike, which they are presently following up,” Pitt said.

“This type of offence does happen from time to time – bag snatching.”

Pitt advised visitors to be vigilant about leaving their valuables exposed or unattended for any length of time, anywhere.