High chiefs in the Cook Islands have expressed their concern at the escalating rate of burglaries in Rarotonga, especially those committed by young people.
At their annual conference, the House of Ariki committed to take a proactive approach to reduce the rate of burglaries.
Police station in Rarotonga Photo: RNZI / Mary Baines
The House of Ariki secretary, Puna Rakanui, told The Cook Islands News they believed chiefs could make a difference with their influential voice.
Police statistics show there were 85 burglaries on the main island in the half-year to June, up from 57 in 2016.
Resorts and holiday bungalows were the most targeted areas.
