4 Apr 2012

Children under 10 years-old arrested for burglary in Cooks

7:36 am on 4 April 2012

Cook Islands police say two children under the age of 10 are among a group of seven people accused of committing burglaries in Rarotonga.

Four people were arrested last week on suspicion of carrying out a string of burglaries around Rarotonga, with three others apprehended for allegedly committing a separate burglary.

Cook Islands news says two children were included in the group.

Police Commissioner, Maara Tetava, says it's the first time police have apprehended these youngsters, but the others were repeat offenders and known to police.

He says they are working with the parents and caregivers of these children as well as school counsellors to prevent them from re-offending.

The Commissioner says police will continue to work closely with community groups to help combat crime in Rarotonga, and this week officers will make contact with a newly established community team in Avarua on the issue.