Cook Islands police arrested or apprehended 23 people accused of committing burglaries in Rarotonga last month as they attempted to curb a surge in offences.
The majority of those arrested were 16 years old or younger, repeat offenders and already known to police.
One child apprehended for burglary was nine.
Police Inspector Tere Patia says some of the offenders are breaching night time curfew conditions in sneaking out to commit further offences.
He says police have noticed some of the young offenders have no fear about committing crimes because they are used to it.
Although private residences continue to be a target for thieves, Inspector Patia says more businesses were burgled during April.
He says some businesses were not taking adequate steps to improve their security.
