Staff at the Bank of the Cook Islands, on the island of Aitutaki, were stunned when they arrived at work to find what is thought to be up to $200,000 missing. Photo / Thinkstock
Staff at the Bank of the Cook Islands, on the island of Aitutaki, were stunned when they arrived at work to find what is thought to be up to $200,000 missing. Photo / Thinkstock
Police are no closer to finding burglars who broke into a small bank in the Cook Islands.
Staff at the Bank of the Cook Islands, on the island of Aitutaki, were stunned when they arrived at work to find what is thought to be up to $200,000 missing.
The thefthas shocked locals, many of whom had money at the branch.
It is thought the break-in took place late on Tuesday or early on Wednesday last week, but police brought in from the main island of Rarotonga say they still have no leads.
Police Commissioner Maara Tetava said yesterday: "We are still investigating and asking for the support of the community.
There are three banks on Aitutaki and the theft is the biggest bank-related crime to be perpetrated on the island.
Bank of the Cook Islands managing director Vaine Nooana-Arioka said the branch was closed for one day last week, as police carried out their investigations at the scene.
She said reports that the money was secured by a single padlock were not true.
Mrs Nooana-Arioka said staff were positive that the culprit or culprits would be found and the money returned.
"With ongoing police investigations, [the bank] will not make further media statements except to encourage the community on Aitutaki and elsewhere to contact the Cook Island police with any information that will help lead to a successful prosecution."
