A 22-year-old male suspected of robbing a Chinese shop in Neiafu, Vava'u, on October 22 was arrested by police in Tongatapu last week, Deputy Commander Taniela Faletau reported.

In the on November 2 Weekly Crime Report, he said information from the community assisted the police in capturing the offender who had already fled from Vava'u to Tongatapu last week. He said that some of the stolen properties were found at his home where a search warrant was carried out.

He was kept in police custody to reappear at the Nuku'alofa Magistrate's Court on November 15.

Cruelty to children

This week 51 reported crimes were reported to police, including 21 assaults, 14 thefts and seven cases of wilful damage.

Deputy Comander Faletau said that the assault cases included one domestic violence case. He reminded the public that the police have the Domestic Violence Unit.

In addition police were investigating two complaints in relation to cruelty of children under the age of 16.

He said the complaints involved mothers neglecting young children at home, and they were taking these complaints very seriously.

Criminal Investigation Unit

The total number of crimes reported dropped from the 102 crimes reported last week.

Police Commander Chris Kelley said he had restructured his Criminal Investigation Unit to deal with specific crimes such as violence and housebreaking and the staff of 15 had increased to 42 so as to better address public requirements and response

But the Commander said was too early to decide whether the reduction in crime this week was a direct result of the restructure.

"But it has certainly been effective in what we are doing," he said.

He would also be carrying out monthly reviews of investigations conducted by his staff.