Three men have been charged with housebreaking and theft of around $19,010 worth of goods from Matafonua Lodge in Foa, Ha‘apai, a day after Tropical Cyclone Ian battered the island on January 11.

The Acting Police Commissioner ‘Unga Fa‘aoa said the men, aged between 14-18 years-old from Faleloa, were arrested by police on Tuesday, January 14 and remain in custody.

Chief Inspector ‘Okusitino Peleki at the Ha’apai Police Station said they received the complaint on Sunday January 12 from the owner of the lodge, Darren Rice.

He returned to the lodge and found around $19,010 worth of goods was missing. Police carried out an investigation and arrested the accused and confiscated some of the goods that were found hidden in the bushes. They are also accuse of consuming other stolen goods, including beer and alcohol.

The Acting Police Commissioner urged the Ha‘apai people to refrain from such crimes, because of the vulnerable state the island is in after the cyclone. “Thieves will be prosecuted,” he said.

The police investigation continues as reports suggested there were more suspects involved in the crime, he said.