Crime
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.
'We are not safe’
Tuesday 7 January 2025 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, National
A Cook Islander has expressed frustration with the lack of police action after reporting a property intrusion on Boxing Day, raising concerns about rising crime and safety in the community.
Crime spree leaves businesses and government offices counting losses
Saturday 4 January 2025 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Crime, Local, National
The festive season may have brought new hopes for many but the ongoing crime spree continues to hit businesses as well as government offices.
Business break-ins remain a concern amidst festive season
Tuesday 31 December 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Crime, Local, National
The increase in police presence, supported by community policing, has led to a decrease in traffic infringements, although break-ins at business properties continue to be a concern.
Twelve months’ probation for man who threatened to kill neighbour
Saturday 28 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Court, Crime, National
A man convicted of threatening to kill his neighbour and wilfully trespassing on his neighbour’s property has been sentenced to 12 months of probation, with special conditions attached.
Domestic violence accused convicted for multiple assaults
Friday 27 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Court, Crime, National
A man was convicted of a series of domestic violence offences, including urinating on the victim, following a judge-alone trial earlier this month at the Cook Islands High Court in Avarua.
Police seek public cooperation for festive security
Tuesday 24 December 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Crime, Local, National
Cook Islands Police are launching a community policing initiative with volunteer support from each vaka in Rarotonga to enhance safety and security during the festive season.
Expat ordered to pay $5000 in reparations
Saturday 21 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Court, Crime, National
An expat mother, Salote Rerealoa, who faced two charges of careless driving causing injury following a collision in March, was convicted and ordered to pay $5000 in reparations, with specific conditions on how the sum should be allocated.
Police to increase visibility during holiday season: PM Brown
Saturday 21 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Business, Crime, Local, National
Prime Minister Mark Brown has emphasised the government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening community policing following a recent attempted burglary in Avarua.
Retired man sentenced for careless driving causing injury
Wednesday 18 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Court, Crime, National
A retired man, Ariiva Setephano, was sentenced for careless driving causing injury this week, following an incident which left a 16-year-old female with injuries, including a broken toe and grazes to her limbs.
Court commutes prison sentence to probation for drunken assault
Wednesday 18 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Court, Crime, National
A 22-year-old first-time offender was sentenced to two years of probation after he pleaded guilty to charges of injuring with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and entering a premises with intent.
Mother sentenced to six months in prison for stealing over $90,000
Tuesday 17 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Business, Court, Crime, National
A former Vodafone Cook Islands employee has been sentenced to six months’ imprisonment and 12 months’ probation after being convicted of theft as a servant.
Police urge responsibility after weekend of mayhem
Tuesday 17 December 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Crime, Local, National
Police are urging individual responsibility after a spate of incidents over the weekend, including a hit-and-run in which a 70-year-old tourist was injured, receiving four stitches in her head and multiple abrasions.
Court news
Monday 16 December 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, National
A sentencing date for the case against Vaiana Dance could be indicated after defense asked for a sentencing indication from the Court.
Man hospitalised after crashing into a power pole
Monday 9 December 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Crime, National
A 34-year-old man was admitted to the Rarotonga Hospital after he crashed in Muri on Sunday morning. It is a suspected alcohol-related incident.
Police attend to 181 incidents in November
Friday 6 December 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Crime, National
Cook Islands Police have reported that last month closed off with a monthly total of 181 incidents reported.
Police strengthen force amidst staffing challenges
Tuesday 3 December 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Crime, Local, National
Despite continuing to deal with challenging staff numbers, the Cook Islands Police are upskilling more officers.
Survey reveals shocking domestic violence figures in Cook Islands
Saturday 30 November 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, Health, Local, National, Outer Islands
The 2014 Cook Islands Family Health and Safety Survey, re-opened by Cook Islands National Council of Women (CINCW), reveals alarmingly high rates of domestic violence against women across the islands, with physical and sexual violence being prevalent, particularly in the Southern Group Islands.
