Crime
Concerns over Minister’s role in inmate work releases: PAC
Saturday 5 October 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, National, Parliament
The Public Accounts Committee is concerned with the Minister for Corrective Services’ authority to ‘influence or directly manage’ the release of inmates from prison, while the Minister denies these claims and maintains that all work release protocols are being followed.
Rising bike thefts prompt rental company’s call for return of community policing
Friday 4 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Crime, National
One of the most affected victims of the trending bike and scooter thefts across the island, who has lost six bikes through thefts, is calling for voluntary community policing to be re-introduced.
Families outraged over scooter and bike thefts
Thursday 3 October 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Crime, National
Cook Islands Police are investigating recent thefts of scooters and bikes, which they suspect are connected to juveniles, after three separate incidents occurred on the same day this week.
Review panel established to address challenges facing Cook Islands Police
Thursday 3 October 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, Local, National
Government has established a review panel to assess the Cook Islands Police Service, identify areas for improvement, and develop a strategic plan for the future, with the aim of appointing a new Police Commissioner who aligns with the Service’s priorities.
Teen, 17, arrested after drunk driving accident
Monday 30 September 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Crime, National
A crash involving a car smashing into a power pole has raised “plenty of concern”.
Juvenile crime concerns rise, ‘Parents need to start being parents’: Minister Mokoroa
Saturday 28 September 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Crime, National
A fifth juvenile was arrested this week in Rarotonga, sparking concerns about the increasing rates of juvenile crime and prompting calls for greater parental involvement, community support and cooperation with law enforcement.
Eight locals to undergo micro-credential course on transnational organised crime
Friday 27 September 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Crime, National, Outer Islands
Eight locals will undertake a micro-credential course on transnational organised crime (TNOC), which will be recognised at an Australian university level.
Pa Enua leaders seek help to combat transnational crime
Wednesday 25 September 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Crime, Economy, National
The lack of resources and security in the Pa Enua to tackle transnational crimes were the key factors driving community leaders from the outer islands to participate in the Transnational Organised Crime workshop held in Rarotonga.
Police apprehend four juveniles in connection with motorcycle thefts
Monday 23 September 2024 | Written by CI News Staff | Published in Crime, National
Cook Islands Police arrested four juveniles aged 13 to 15 in connection with reported stolen motorbikes and charged them with unlawful taking and being a party to the offence.
Jurors advised to remain open-minded
Saturday 21 September 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, National
Jurors in a rape and burglary trial have been instructed not to discuss the case with anyone and to maintain an open mind as they return to High Court on Monday for closing submissions.
Tapaitau and Charlie-Puna released to ‘family jobs’
Saturday 21 September 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, Local, National
Two high-profile inmates, sentenced to jail time in March this year, have been hired by their families through the Ministry of Corrective Services’ work scheme programme.
‘Bribing my dogs’: Family seeks help to find stolen 21st birthday bike
Thursday 19 September 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Crime, Local, National
A concerned resident is asking the community to help locate her nephew’s XR 125 black and red clutch motorbike with licence plate #ABB936. The motorcycle was stolen from their home early yesterday morning.
Drunk driving leads to crashes and domestic violence
Tuesday 17 September 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Crime, National
The Cook Islands Police Service has expressed great concerns over the ongoing behaviour of drink driving leading to road incidents following last weekend’s list of incidents.
Court briefs
Monday 16 September 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, National
A man, who was disqualified from driving after being sentenced earlier this year, appeared in Court last week, facing four new driving related charges.
Police struggling to keep up
Saturday 14 September 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Crime, Local, National
Police are urging the public to cooperate as they continue to grapple with limited resources to combat the rising crime rate in Rarotonga.
Burglary accused granted bail
Friday 13 September 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, National
Three men accused of a series of burglaries in Avarua appeared in court and were granted bail on various conditions.
Browne calls for investigation into prison work release programme
Wednesday 11 September 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, Local, National
Recent reports of a high-profile inmate spotted having breakfast at a well-known café in Arorangi raises serious concerns about the management and oversight of the Ministry of Corrective Services work release programme, says Opposition leader Tina Browne.
Drunk drivers cause multiple crashes: Police
Tuesday 10 September 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, National
Police attended a number of road crashes over the weekend, resulting in drivers being taken to the hospital and another being arrested. The incidents are allegedly alcohol-related.
Charlie-Puna admits to café visit, loses prison privileges
Tuesday 10 September 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, Local, National
A high-profile inmate’s work release programme was cancelled after she admitted to having breakfast at a popular eatery in Arorangi last Friday.
Pacific drug highway threatens Cook Islands, cops on high alert
Monday 9 September 2024 | Written by Talaia Mika | Published in Crime, Economy, Local, National
Police say they are actively combating the growing drug trafficking threat in the region, following new reports of drug cartels trafficking crystal meth through the ‘Pacific drug highway’, including Cook Islands waters.
