Three crashes were reported to police since Friday afternoon.

Police media officer Trevor Pitt said one involved an incident on Saturday late afternoon at Nikao back road with a 17-year-old motorcyclist.

Another crash occurred early Sunday morning, when a vehicle damaged a fence and hedging at Turangi.

Pitt said this crash was reported at 3.36am and pieces of the vehicle were left at the scene.

The number of crashes reported to police is on track to increase again this year.

On Sunday, a man was arrested and bailed to appear in court on charges related to a crash that occurred on October 6. His blood test results, which were returned over the weekend, showed that he was over the legal limit at the time of the crash.

Also, a dog owner has been identified and is currently being investigated by the Dog Ranger team, says Pitt.

This follows an incident where a seven-year-old was bitten on the arm by a dog. Pitt said the incident was reported on Saturday evening.

Meanwhile, as the 52^nd Pacific Islands Forum Meeting preparations continue, Cook Islands Police will be conducting two trial runs of the official motorcade.

On October 27 and on November 1, police will be involved in conducting the trial runs of the official motorcade, which will impact traffic during the conference.

Pitt said the public, including all traffic involving passenger transport services, heavy transport, and emergency services, are advised to be aware that the first trial run on Friday will commence from 8.30am.

“Traffic from Nikao to the Muri area will be affected until the late afternoon, as the motorcade will involve multiple vehicles in the transportation of Leaders,” Pitt said.

“The Police therefore seek everyone’s consideration and patience, during this time.”

A second trial run is scheduled for Wednesday, November 2023.

The Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting will be hosted in Rarotonga, from 6 – 10 November 2023, with the Pacific Leaders Retreat to take place in Aitutaki.

• Losirene Lacanivalu/ Police