By Katalina Siasau

A 41-year-old man from Popua has been arrested on charges relating to a house break-in and theft. Authorities recovered multiple items alleged to have been stolen, including jewellery, electronic devices, and 41 cans of corned beef.

Tonga Police reported that the suspect was identified through fingerprint analysis and intelligence gathering by their Forensic Unit, which led to the operation.

As a result of the search, Tonga Police apprehended the suspect and seized mulitple items believed to have been stolen. Police recovered a gold chain, a silver watch, a silver tablet, a black power bank, two flash disks, a speaker, a diamond chain, two black scopes, a BSP Visa Card, two cartons of Green Lucky Tonga tobacco, and a loose Lucky Tonga tobacco, a carton of Red Lucky Tonga tobacco and five loose tobacco, one carton of Palataisi tobacco, and four loose tobacco, two boxes of Long Beach loose tobacco, one black tablet, one test tube, a pack of cannabis leaves, a Sony camera, and seven mobile phone devices.

In addition to the recovered items, Police said the suspect admitted to stealing food items, which included 41 cans of corned beef.

Tonga Police are holding the suspect in custody awaiting trial, while police investigations continue.

Tonga Police urged members of the public to remain alert and take precautions to safeguard their property.

"Theft continues to be frequently reported in various areas across Tongatapu. Unfortunately, it can happen to anyone, at any time," Tonga Police stated.

The public is encouraged to report any suspicious or illegal activity to the nearest police station immediately.