Crime
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.
Accused burglar facing 10 charges granted bailwith strict conditions
Friday 6 September 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, National
Accused burglar facing 10 burglary and joint charges was granted bail on the condition that he abide by a curfew, not associate with certain individuals and reside with his mother.
Four teens injured in hit-and-run incident
Tuesday 3 September 2024 | Written by Supplied | Published in Crime, National
Cook Islands Police are investigating an alleged hit-and-run incident which occurred late Saturday night, leaving four teenagers injured with some sustaining serious injuries.
Accused rapist admits to 47 charges, suppression lifted
Saturday 31 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, National
Interim name suppression on a man who was charged with allegations of rape, indecent assault and inducing an indecent act on minors has been lifted.
Theft matter adjourned to October 25
Saturday 31 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, National
The theft matter against Sina Daniel was adjourned to October 25 at the High Court call over before Chief Justice Patrick Keane on Friday.
Accused burglar denied bail
Friday 30 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, National
Nineteen-year-old Melvin Eli, one of the accused alleged to have been involved in the recent break-in reported around Avarua, has been denied bail as police prosecution revealed he could face up to nine burglary charges.
Alcohol-related crashes claim 25 lives between 2014 and 2023
Thursday 29 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, Health, Local, National
Twenty-five people lost their lives in alcohol-related crashes in the Cook Islands in the last 10 years, according to a recently released Te Marae Ora’s (TMO) 2021-2023 National Health Bulletin report.
Police probe serious rape allegation
Wednesday 28 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, National
Cook Islands Police are investigating a rape allegation and inappropriate sexual contact during the weekend labelling it as “serious incidents”.
Avarua burglary duo remanded, potential for additional charges
Friday 23 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, National
The two men alleged to have been accomplices in the recent break-ins reported around Avarua have been remanded in custody and are likely to face more charges.
Man hit with hefty fines for drink driving and assault
Thursday 22 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, National
A 33-year-old man has been sentenced and ordered to pay reparations of $4259.12 to electricity company Te Aponga Uira and around $700 in court fines and court costs for three separate charges.
Government to upgrade security after recent break-ins
Thursday 22 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, Local, National
The National Security Directorate within the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) has secured funding to engage a local contractor who will work directly with key frontline agencies to assess and upgrade their security needs.
Manpower shortage hinders burglary investigations, clothing store targeted
Wednesday 21 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, Local, National
Cook Islands Police are scrambling for manpower to investigate the rising number of burglary cases hitting Rarotonga, with a renowned clothing store as the latest victim.
Crime spree hits Govt Buildings, Police investigate break-ins at PM’s Office and Crown Law
Tuesday 20 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Crime, Local, National
A series of burglaries into government buildings, including the Office of the Prime Minister, has been reported to police and CCTV footage showing at least two masked suspects is under investigation.
Drug bust: Two kilos of cannabis seized in Aitutaki
Saturday 17 August 2024 | Written by Melina Etches | Published in Crime, Local, National, Outer Islands
Police are investigating a drug supply to Aitutaki after Cook Islands Customs seized over two kilograms of cannabis at Arutanga Harbour last week.
Young offender escapes jail time in high profile burglaries
Thursday 15 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, National
A 20-year-old man, who was involved in two high profile joint burglary cases in Avarua, has been warned by the High Court judge, Dame Judith Potter that any future offending ‘will deserve no leniency’.
Man caught with cannabis during community service at Corrections Services premises
Thursday 15 August 2024 | Written by Losirene Lacanivalu | Published in Court, Crime, National
Ngatupuna Ngatokoono Teinakitama, 27, was ordered to pay a $500 fine and serve an additional four months of community service after being convicted of possessing cannabis – marijuana leaves.