Cook Islands NGO Kōrero o te ‘Ōrau is calling on parents to re-engage with their children following recent police investigations into a 13-year-old involved in burglary and other offences.

Cook Islands Police has confirmed that the file on a 13-year-old juvenile suspect being processed in connection with a string of recent offenses, including the burglary of TEM Store Parengaru, unlawful taking, and wilful damage, has been prepared for submission to the Juvenile Crime Prevention Committee (JCPC).

Police spokesperson Trevor Pitt said youths aged 15 and under are subject to this process in which the Police make applications to the JCPC on laying charges.

Pitt said this will be the third case readied by the Police and destined for the JCPC, which has been inactive for some months.

He said another case is the alleged arson on an Aitutaki school by two juveniles which has been held up since last year July.

The spike in juvenile crime rates and other social issues are “consequence of development”, says Kōrero o te ‘Ōrau’s chairperson Dr Teina Rongo.

“Unfortunately, it is a consequence of development that we are facing social issues. As parents become busier chasing a western lifestyle, it takes them away from spending quality time with their children and teaching them,” Rongo said.

Kōrero o te ‘Ōrau’s ‘Ātui’anga ki te Tango (AKTT) programme aims to address this gap by working with at-risk youth.

Organisation secretary Jackie Rongo says part of the programme is working with at-risk children to teach them good core values and integrity, and to keep clean habits.

“They may not be able to change their home situation, but we try to equip them with tools to manage their actions and choices better,” Jackie said.

On Facebook, Voices of the Cook Islands echoed these sentiments, emphasising the need for “good moral support, understanding Papa figures, and positive opportunities”.

The broadcasting and media production company said encouraged action beyond criticism, suggesting rehabilitation programmes and activities to steer youth towards a brighter future.

Urging prompt action, Voices of the Cook Islands implored the responsible stakeholders to tackle the issue before it worsens. “Stop the crimes now!”

The TEM Store was reportedly burgled last week.

He confirmed that goods from the TEM Store were recovered and returned this week.

Pitt added that the Cook Islands Game Fishing Club and Rays Hut were also among the incidents.

Last week, a Rarotonga rental company called on the Cook Islands community to help stop a recent trend of car thefts targeting rental vehicles.

They described it as an “overseas style” of car theft, where vehicles were being hotwired before being taken.