Cook Islands Police are investigating recent thefts of scooters and bikes, which they suspect are connected to juveniles, after three separate incidents occurred on the same day this week.

An upset mother expressed her concerns on social media about having to pay $1000 in compensation to a rental bike hire company after her daughter and niece’s rental bikes were stolen on Tuesday morning.

She said this had caused inconvenience for the girls, who now have to pay $500 per bike to the company via a contract waiver “if the bikes get stolen”. She also noted that this cost was clearly not within their budget.

“We are upset as a family and hoping that the person, or persons be made accountable for their actions. Definitely not a good experience for their time to spend with their nena on the homeland.”

The mother explained that reports had been filed with the police and they were awaiting updates.

Police spokesperson Trevor Pitt said that he could not divulge details about the ongoing judicial proceedings, but confirmed that the police are investigating the matter.

“Not sure if these are the particular cases but we have had a string of offences including stolen bikes and break-ins, which are incidents we suspect are connected with (underage) juveniles,” Pitt told this newspaper.

“I’m unable to provide details due to the judicial process now underway involving the Juvenile Crime Prevention Committee (JCPC).”

In a separate incident, another concerned individual took to social media on Tuesday seeking help to recover their bikes, which were stolen from in front of their home.

“If you see an orange trek bike or a black Fuji, please let me know. They are our only transportation (besides the bus) and to make matters more annoying, the hitch for my baby’s trailer was attached to the bike and also stolen,” they posted.

“If you have any tips on what to do, please share them with me as well.”

A third incident took place in Titikaveka on the same day where a Rarotonga resident reached out for assistance on social media about her visiting relatives’ stolen scooters.

One of the scooters had been recovered but the other was still missing. Police have been informed about the matter.

Cook Islands News has contacted all victims and relatives affected by the three separate theft cases for comments.

Police spokesperson Pitt added: “The number of these incidents are only blown out by a few number of juveniles, who seem to just jump from one to another.”