A month ago Cook Islands Security (CIS) patrol service had decided to end their services. But good news has prevailed for CIS owner Chris Denny and his team.

The security service will relaunch the 24/7 patrol team to provide protection of the tourism industry from Monday, January 23.

Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council president Liana Scott has welcomed the good news and says: “I have been waiting for a new proposal from him, but any additional security on the island is fantastic!”

Scott had earlier stated that the presence of any additional visual security services assists in reducing the crime rate, whether it be additional bars on a window, cameras or physical presence like the services that CIS was providing. 

The new patrol team will be for the Accommodation Sector only focusing on protecting holiday accommodation properties.

Their services would include regular monitoring and patrolling of premises, preventing potential risks of property breakage and damage, deterring drunk and disorderly threats.

Denny returned to Rarotonga around 2018 and established the security company.

Pre-Covid-19, he had 80 per cent of accommodation owners on board and 20 per cent stayed on after Covid to keep the business going.

Denny has acknowledged the tourism industry for showing their support to have the patrol service team back.

He says new vehicles are to be badged up this week and back on patrol next week.

“A visible security patrol presence is the most effective in crime prevention within a community.

"In New Zealand and Australia security companies are contracted by Police for many things including protecting crime scenes so as not to waste valuable Police time."

Denny said everyone would benefit from Police and Tourism investing in Security hours to keep crime low and our animals under control.

Denny added he has trained staff who are ready to get back on the field. He says four dog rangers and eight patrolmen will be required to run the 24/7 operation.