AUCKLAND: A tiny island famed for having the most churches per capita in the world is reeling after its first bank raid.
The residents of Aitutaki, a peaceful tourist escape in the Cook Islands, have been shocked by a theft from its bank, which has left them up to $US164,000 ($156,500) poorer.
The island's mayor, John Baxter, told Radio New Zealand International he believed the job was not carried out by one of the 1800 locals, most of whom kept their savings at the branch. ''It's a very sad occasion or event that has happened,'' Mr Baxter said.
''I think it is the first time that any of the banks have actually ever been robbed on this small island of Aitutaki and, as I said earlier on, everybody knows everybody and I suspect whoever has done this does not live on the island.''
Few details have been disclosed about the Bank of the Cook Islands raid, which was believed to have been carried out one night last week.

Police Commissioner Maara Tetava said a large amount of money was stolen but would not confirm the bank was secured only by a single padlock.
The branch and two other banks have stepped up security since, he said.
As one of the first places in the South Pacific to accept Christianity, Aitutaki has always been celebrated for its piousness.
AAP