Cook Islands Police arrested four juveniles aged 13 to 15 in connection with reported stolen motorbikes and charged them with unlawful taking and being a party to the offence.

The four, including a 14-year-old female, were arrested by Police on Saturday afternoon.

Three were caught in Titikaveka, while the other was caught in Arorangi.

According to police spokesperson Trevor Pitt, three of the teens had been held by two members of the public for police officers.

The fourth teen was caught by a hotel security in Arorangi in relation to a break-in and brought to Police headquarters, earlier on Saturday.

Two were charged with unlawful taking while another two were charged with being a party to the offence.

“All were bailed to appear in court this coming week,” Pitt said.

On Saturday, a Rarotonga resident warned people on Facebook to secure their belongings after her parents’ house was burgled in the Muri/Avana area between 9am and 3pm that day.

“My parents’ house was burgled today in Muri/Avana between 9am and 3pm, along with a string of other robberies in the area around the same time. They stole all of my mum’s jewellery, including cherished family heirlooms, silver tennis diamond necklace, matching bracelet and valuable pearls,” the person posted on the Rarotonga-Community and Beyond page.

“They also helped themselves to all 16 bottles of their ginger beer and took them and left a bunch around the house. The police have taken samples and finger prints, and you will all be found.

“Please stay alert, invest in cameras, and ensure your houses are locked everyone. If you noticed anything suspicious around those times or have any information, please reach out.”

Police spokesperson Pitt said there were no established linkages between the arrests and the break-in in Muri/Avana.

Speaking to Cook Islands News, the Rarotonga resident, who wished not to be named, said: “My parents reported the burglary to the police as soon as they realised what had happened.”

“The police are currently questioning the individuals they believe are involved and are unsure about which items are still in their possession. They have requested some time to complete their investigation and will follow up with us as more information develops. However, they have confirmed that they recovered two rings, which are indeed my mother’s.”

Last month, Cabinet supported the re-establishment of the Juvenile Crime Prevention Committee (JCPC), to address the growing backlog of juvenile cases pending in court.

Former justice secretary Terry Hagan was appointed as the chairperson of the revived Juvenile Crime Prevention Committee along with Christina Iro and Edward Browne as members. The appointments were for a two-year term commencing, Monday, August 12, 2024.

Secretary of Justice Peter Graham then said: “As the JCPC has been dormant for the past 10 or so years, there is a considerable amount of work that needs to be done ahead of the Committee meeting to consider any referrals to the Committee. The MoJ (Ministry of Justice) also needs to review their own process.”

Youths aged 15 and under are subject to a process where police submit applications to the JCPC for approval before they lay charges.

It was earlier reported that the JCPC was inactive for over a decade. And last year, the Ministry actively sought public interest for members.

It is understood that two members are appointed by the Minister of Justice and the chairperson is appointed by the Solicitor General. In prior versions of the legislation, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Police had roles in appointing members of the JCPC.