Cook Islands police have searched 8 houses and made 6 arrests in a special operation sparked by a surge in crime.
Three of those arrested will appear in the juvenile court.
Charges include theft and possession of drug use utensils.
Police Inspector, Tere Patia, says more evidence has been uncovered and more people will be charged.
He has expressed concern that the same offenders go through the court each week, and thinks some young criminals have become desensitised to the consequences of their actions.
He says he believes it is time a facility to rehabilitate young offenders was established, because placing them on a curfew does not seem to be working.
