Police recorded a drop in crimes from 86 in the previous week to 60 last week, May 14-20, with theft notably decreasing.

The Acting Police Commissioner Taniela Faletau in a Weekly Police Crime Report this morning, commended that police cooperation with the public came into fruition last week which saw a drop in crimes from 86 to 60.

He said there was also a decrease in the number of thefts, which was 17 last week in comparison to 30 the previous week.

Despite the decrease, theft, housebreaking and common assault continued to be the most crimes reported.

There were 18 housebreakings and eight common assaults, and the Nuku'alofa area top the list with 60 crimes reported at the Central Police station in Nuku'alofa, followed by nine at Mu'a station and six each at Nukunuku in Tongatapu, Pangai, Neiafu and two in 'Eua.

"The drop showed the community's concern about the rise of crimes in Tonga, and members of the public have cooperated and provided us with vital with information. We are grateful for that. Public information and cooperation is one of the way forward to help us to combat crimes especially offences against properties."

Theft

He said four men were arrested by police on May 17, and charged for the theft of 126 cartons of frozen chicken cartons from a storage facility around the Puke area, in Tongatapu.

The four men, two Tongans and two Asians stole the cartons of frozen chicken valued at $8,400, on May 14. They have been released on bail and will appear at the Nuku'alofa Magistrate's Court, on May 25, he said.

Taniela said the quick arrests of the men were due to good cooperation with people from around that area who provided police investigators with vital information that led to their capture.

Arrest

He said police also made good progress with regards to the Tau'olunga Computer centre robbery. Police have identified two prime suspects and "I can confirm that arrests will be made in 48 hours", he said.

He asked the public for their support and cooperation.