The festive season may have brought new hopes for many but the ongoing crime spree continues to hit businesses as well as government offices.

Amid the festive season, the Ministry of Transport was broken into by some unknown perpetrators who remain on the run.

A laptop and cash were stolen in the process.

This is one of the main incidents which were reported to police over the festive season, according to the police spokesperson, Trevor Pitt.

On another incident, Pitt said, “We’ve had another two break-ins this festive season. However, one is not technically a burglary but theft, as the property was left open.”

“Someone entered an accommodation facility and stole a phone and cards.  The door had been left open while occupants were on the beach.”

Yesterday, another break-in took place and was also reported to police where a large amount of cash was stolen from a business property in Panama. 

A bicycle-vehicle collision outside the Bank of Cook Islands yesterday morning caught the attention of many passersby. Police confirmed that the matter was resolved between the parties.

Police said investigations were ongoing for all incidents.

Meanwhile this is not the first time government offices have been targeted. In August 2024, a series of burglaries into government buildings, including the Office of the Prime Minister, were reported to police and CCTV footage showing at least two masked suspects.

Cook Islands Police suspected a link between the break-ins reported at the Prime Minister’s Office, Minister for Justice Vaine “Mac” Mokoroa’s Support Office and the Crown Law Office at the time, adding that public buildings are at risk.

The Cook Islands Library and Museum, located opposite the University of the South Pacific (USP) Cook Island campus, also reported a break-in, just weeks after a previous burglary in that month.

Ben Ponia, chief of staff at the Office of the Prime Minister, confirmed then that at least two masked intruders were involved in a series of burglaries at the Office of the Prime Minister’s compound.

The Office of the Prime Minister was to conduct an audit of the compound, and if any security deficiencies were identified, immediate remedial action would be implemented.

There have been no updates on whether the perpetrators have been caught or on the direction of the investigation.

Prior to that in March 2024, an alleged break-in at the USP Cook Islands campus was reported to the police. CCTV footage showing a young boy entering the premises was shared with the authorities.