Tsunami siren

The sirens went off in Papeete and Pirae on Tahiti as well as on Moorea and Bora Bora.

The sound of the sirens caused confusion and triggered activity on social networks.

Reports say the French High Commission was alerted by firefighters.

Repairs to the system are now reportedly underway.

Photo file 

Police said the suspect was arrested in Lapaha on Friday night September 15.

Three sirens were stolen but only one was recovered. The sirens are part of a civil defence warning system that alerts the public to impending natural disasters such as tsunami.

Local media report the three sirens were installed 25m high up on the pole by the National Emergency Management Office. The siren recovered was found near the Liahona area.

Police are seeking the two other missing sirens.