14 arrests made in string of housebreaking [1]
Wednesday, August 19, 2015 - 17:04
Fourteen men have been arrested and charged in relation to alleged string of housebreaking, theft and one armed robbery committed in eight homes in the Nuku’alofa area from August 6-15.
The Acting Assistant Police Commissioner Tevita Fifita said today, the 14 accused aged 16 to 20 plus years, including some ex-prisoners, have been variously charged with housebreaking, theft and armed robbery.
He said the items stolen included Tongan mats, electronics, TV, mobile phones and a vehicle worth around $65,258.
A special investigation team assigned to investigate these housebreakings alleged it was carried out in groups.
Fifita said one accused has been charged with armed robbery after he injured a male occupant, a foreigner, with a knife when he allegedly broke into his home in Ma'ufanga.
Some of the accused have been released on bail while others are in custody as our investigation continues, he said.
The Police Commissioner Stephen Caldwell said this is good news that people should know and put them at ease that police work is being done to ensure their safety in their homes. The most important thing is when a crime is committed for police to respond and provide that initial support to victims, he said.