Cook Islands Police are urging parents to look after their children better to avoid them being caught up in a life of crime.
Police have been busy over the last couple of weeks targeting burglars and other offenders after a surge in criminality on Rarotonga.
To date, police have arrested 11 offenders, including four who are underage and will appear in the Youth Court.
Most of the offenders are well-known to police, and will face a range of charges from burglary to drugs offences.
Inspector Tere Patia says parents need to be more involved with their children's lives to help combat crime.
A police team is working with the community to try and get help for young offenders.
Inspector Patia says Justices of the Peace, school counsellors, and youth welfare workers have all been enlisted to provide counselling.
