Several Kapa‘a businesses are increasing security and one is offering a reward following several recent burglaries. “I don’t know why this is happening but we are taking action including putting in a silent alarm,” said Peter Gempong, manager of The
Several Kapa‘a businesses are increasing security and one is offering a reward following several recent burglaries.
“I don’t know why this is happening but we are taking action including putting in a silent alarm,” said Peter Gempong, manager of The Shrimp Station, which suffered its first break-in at its 4-985 Kuhio Highway location in April.
“Times are tough,” he added.
Other businesses that reported break-ins included Super Cuts in the Safeway plaza and Fantastic Sams in the Big Save plaza.
The Super Cuts reported that someone recently pried open their back door. They didn’t get much, said manager Shalee Mundon, who added it was the fourth break-in there.
“They took our starting drawer, which is small, and we drop our deposits every night,” Mundon said. “They did take some brand new buzzers and a blow dryers, but they left brand new curling irons and shampoos.”
Burglars tried to remove a cemented safe, but failed.
“They were so desperate that they took the penny and nickel rolls,” Mundon said.
The insurance companies and the corporate office will determine the need for updated alarms and video surveillance.
Mundon said employees discussed their policies and will be sure that no cash is left in the store overnight. They also make sure that most of the equipment is not longer left out.
Police took fingerprints and photographed foot prints from the mud the burglar tracked inside, she said.
The Fantastic Sams in the Big Save plaza reported they were broken into the night before Easter Sunday. They are offering a $500 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction of the burglar.
Lisa Foote, manager, said the burglar made off with money, shampoos and several personal work items belonging to three of the six-member staff. The burglar pried through the fire exit doors in the back, and although the damage was minimal, the doors will need to be replaced, she said.
The stolen equipment is covered by insurance but the missing items had an immediate impact.
“We had to shut down for an entire day,” Foote said. “The burglar took our cutting equipment.”
Foote said she hopes the incident will result in security cameras and better alarms. It has been nearly three years since their last break-in at this plaza location where they have been the past five years.
Someone broke into The Shrimp Station by prying open the front door in mid-April. After rummaging for cash and valuables the burglar left with an iPod dock, Gempong said.
The video captured one burglar around 2 a.m. on a Saturday, wearing long sleeves, a mask and a fanny pack with a light on it, Gempong said.
Gempong has worked with the Shrimp Station under both owners since 2006. He can’t recall another break-in during that time.
He said burglars won’t find any cash inside, anyway.
“We do not keep any money, cash, checks, or everything in the store at night, and it is taken out every day,” he said.
Call Kaua‘i Police Department’s Crimestoppers with any information about the burglaries at 241-1887.
