Crime
Second month in a row: Rarotonga sees surge in stolen motorbikes
Thursday 13 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, National
Cook Islands Police have recorded another ‘blow out’ month in motorcycle theft cases after 15 were reported stolen last month.
Alarming rise in motor vehicle crashes
Wednesday 12 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, National
Cook Islands Police said an average of one motor vehicle crash per day was reported in May after recording 28.
Elderly driver injured in road rage assault
Friday 7 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, National
An elderly driver sustained a serious facial injury after being allegedly assaulted by another driver in a road rage incident on Wednesday afternoon.
Tourists injured in motorbike crash
Thursday 6 June 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Crime, Local, National
A pair of tourists sustained injuries in a motorbike crash at the Nikao Seawall on Tuesday night, police reported yesterday.
Locked bikes targeted in recent thefts, Police say
Wednesday 5 June 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, National
Police are suspecting that motorbikes that have been stolen in Rarotonga are part of an organised unlawful activity.
Driver blames sleep for early morning crash in Tupapa: Police
Tuesday 28 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, National
Police are investigating a car crash that occurred early yesterday morning in Tupapa. The car collided with a power pole along the main road.
Top cop ‘retiring’
Saturday 25 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, Local, National
Cook Islands will be searching for a new Commissioner of Police as the incumbent, Turepu James Keenan, is not seeking a second term.
Careless driving, high blood alcohol leads to $5000+ bill
Friday 24 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, National
Three drink drivers were sentenced in Avarua court, with one ordered to pay a hefty reparation for damaging a power pole.
Decision on top cop delayed as force faces staffing crisis
Monday 20 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, Local, National
The decision on renewing the Cook Islands Police Commissioner’s contract has been further delayed amidst concerns about a major staff shortage in the force.
Cops in crisis: Cook Islands Police understaffed by 30-40 officers
Saturday 18 May 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Crime, Local, National
Cook Islands Police face staffing shortages due to budget cuts and uncompetitive remuneration, prompting a restructuring effort to improve recruitment and retention.
‘Showing off to get attention’: String of juvenile crimes raises concerns
Tuesday 14 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, National
Showing off to get attention is one reason juveniles are misbehaving, not just in Rarotonga, but worldwide, says men’s counselling organisation, Te Punanga Oraanga Matutu (TePOM).
Police blame string of stolen motorbikes on 14yo juvenile
Friday 10 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, National
A 14-year-old juvenile suspected of committing multiple crimes, such as theft, burglary, and unlawful taking of motorcycles, appeared in a closed court session yesterday.
Motorist ordered to pay $9k for crashing into Tupapa store
Wednesday 8 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, National
A motorist who crashed into the TEM Store in Tupapa in January this year has been ordered to pay around $9,000 in reparations for damages to the store and its goods.
Known juvenile suspected in recent motorbike theft
Tuesday 7 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, Local, National
A juvenile known to police is suspected of stealing a motorbike from Club Raro last week.
Cabinet to decide on Police Commissioner’s future
Tuesday 7 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, Local, National
The Cook Islands Police Commissioner’s future is expected to be decided by the Cabinet.
‘Shocked and scared’: Family feels violated after motorbike stolen from garage
Monday 6 May 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Crime, Local, National
A spate of motorcycle thefts in Rarotonga has left a Nikao family “shocked and scared” after their bike was stolen from their home.
Former Vodafone employee convicted of stealing $91,000
Wednesday 1 May 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, National, Technology
A woman has been convicted of theft as a servant for making false entries in a telecommunications company’s account, defrauding them of over $91,000.
Four motorbikes stolen, only one recovered in pieces
Tuesday 23 April 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, Local, National
The Cook Islands Police reported a generally peaceful weekend, with the exception of an increase in stolen motorbikes and concerning driving behaviour.
Rarotonga grower raises concerns about produce theft
Thursday 18 April 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, National
A Rarotonga grower has raised concerns about what can be done to those caught stealing produce from other people’s farms.
Scammers use fake Cook Islands resort to lure overseas job seekers
Wednesday 17 April 2024 | Written by Rashneel Kumar | Published in Crime, Local, National, Technology, Tourism
International scammers have created a fake Cook Islands resort to lure people looking for jobs in the tourism industry. They deceive victims into paying an upfront fee of at least $280.
