An 18-year-old man has been charged in relation to the theft of around $19,010 worth of goods from the Matafonua Lodge in Foa, Ha’apai, after Tropical Cycolone Ian destroyed the property on January 11.

The man from Faleloa was was arrested and charged with theft and housebreaking in the weekend. He is the fourth person accused in relation to the crime, the Ha'apai Police reported.

Three youths aged 14-18 were initially charged with the same crime on January 14. The four accused are on bail to appear in the Ha’apai Magistrate’s Court on January 24.

The Ha’apai Police station received the complaint on Sunday January 12 from the owner of the lodge, Darren Rice.

Rice 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 included fishing equipment  found hidden in the bushes. They are also accused of consuming other stolen goods, including beer and alcohol.

The Police investigation continues as reports suggested there were around 10 suspects who were involved in the crime.

Matafonua lodge was destroyed during the cyclone.