Crime
Police decry ‘high tolerance’ of careless, dangerous driving
Tuesday 4 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Crime, National
The Cook Islands Police Services stressed that there seem to be a high tolerance of drivers’ carelessness and recklessness on the road, as car crashes continue to emerge.
Bail denied for motorcyclist in Arorangi fatal hit-and-run
Monday 3 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Court, Crime, National
A 24-year-old father of two, charged with negligent driving causing death following a fatal hit-and-run in Arorangi last week, was denied bail by the Criminal Court in Avarua over the weekend.
Man, 24, arrested and charged in connection with fatal hit-and-run
Saturday 1 February 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Crime, National
A 24-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with a fatal hit-and-run incident that took place in Arorangi on Tuesday night.
PM: Hit-and-run investigation being conducted ‘thoroughly’
Friday 31 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Crime, National
The investigation into the tragic hit-and-run that claimed the life of an elderly woman is being conducted “professionally and thoroughly”, Prime Minister Mark Brown told Cook Islands News last night.
Hit and run in Arorangi claims life
Thursday 30 January 2025 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Crime, National
An elderly woman died in a hit and run incident in Arorangi, on Tuesday night, marking the second road fatality in the country this year.
‘It takes a village’: TePOM urges community action on child protection
Tuesday 28 January 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, Local, National
Protecting children from harm is a “vital responsibility” for parents and the community as a whole, says Te Punanga Ora'anga Matutu (TePOM), the Cook Islands men’s counselling centre.
‘Generational curse’ of violence – Calls for action to protect children
Saturday 25 January 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, Features, In Depth, National, Weekend
A recent 14-year prison sentence for a convicted paedophile has prompted calls for increased community vigilance, parental responsibility and stricter measures to protect children from sexual abuse.
‘Experienced candidates’ apply for Cook Islands top cop role
Friday 24 January 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, Economy, Local, National
A selection panel chaired by the Public Service Commissioner Carl Hunter is expected to be finalised to look into the recruitment of the new Police Commissioner.
'Paedophile' gets 13 years in prison
Wednesday 22 January 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, National
A 57-year-old man, labelled a paedophile by his lawyer, has been sentenced to 13 years and three months imprisonment for 47 charges of sexual offence, rape being the lead offence.
Two women rescue lost tourist after six-hour mountain search
Tuesday 21 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Crime, Local, National, Tourism
A male tourist was safely rescued early Sunday morning after a six-hour search, having become lost during a mountain trek on Rarotonga.
Police investigate weekend incidents
Tuesday 21 January 2025 | Written by Supplied | Published in Crime, National
A series of incidents were attended to by the Cook Islands Police Service over the weekend, including two motorbike crashes, menacing dogs and stolen money.
Police urge for community support following alleged knife-point robbery
Saturday 18 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Crime, National
Cook Islands Police Service is calling for community support following a concerning incident in which a Rarotonga resident was robbed at knife-point in front of an ATM at night.
Driver ordered to pay over $11,500 in reparations after crash
Friday 17 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Court, Crime, National
Terea Ngatokorua Maruaau, who appeared in court yesterday, has been ordered to pay over $3000 in reparations to the Te Aponga Uira (TAU) after falling asleep while driving a rental vehicle and crashing into a power pole in Nikao last month.
High profile suspect named: Sporting executive released on bail
Friday 17 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Court, Crime, National
A high-profile sporting executive charged in connection with the highly publicised property intrusion incident on Boxing Day 2024 has been released on bail and is scheduled to reappear in court next month.
Police struggle to attract recruits
Friday 17 January 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, Local, National
Police recruitment for new intakes launched over a month ago has received a disappointing response, with the starting salary at the minimum wage rate considered a major challenge.
Two men to face Court over Boxing Day incident in Parengaru
Thursday 16 January 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, National
A second man will appear at the Criminal Court in Avarua today, as a party to the offence of wilfully damaging a property in Parengaru on Boxing Day.
Prominent Cook Islander charged over Boxing Day property intrusion
Wednesday 15 January 2025 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Crime, National
A prominent Cook Islander has been charged and will appear in court tomorrow in relation to a highly publicised property intrusion incident on Boxing Day.
Police seize cannabis plants from Atiu, warns cultivators
Monday 13 January 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, National
The recent arrest of a man allegedly found with 40 plants of cannabis is a warning from police who are now keeping a close eye for cultivators in Rarotonga and the Pa Enua.
No charges laid in Aitutaki fatal crash
Saturday 11 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Crime, National, Outer Islands
No charges have yet been laid in a fatal crash in Aitutaki that occurred over a week ago, resulting in the death of an elderly visitor.
No drunk driving arrests during festive period
Tuesday 7 January 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, Local, National
Over the past two weeks, during the festive season Cook Islands Police have conducted a high number of vehicle and driver checks.
