Well, we already urge our visitors not to leave anything of value in their cars and park in an isolated area, because it will most likely get stolen. We remind them not to leave anything of value on the beach
Well, we already urge our visitors not to leave anything of value in their cars and park in an isolated area, because it will most likely get stolen.
We remind them not to leave anything of value on the beach and go for a walk because someone will probably take it.
We even warn them not to leave valuables or cash in their rental unit because someone might just break in while they’re away.
Unfortunately, we need to extend such warnings to residents, too.
Kauai Police reported a spike in car break-ins this month, with seven alone in Lihue Feb. 22. In all but one of those cases, the vehicles were parked on residential streets and left unlocked. As a result, purses, wallets, phones and cash were taken.
So, what’s the big deal, you ask? This isn’t anything new. Car burglaries have long been an issue on Kauai. It seems to be increasing, though. Even more so last year, when there were around 300 in the final six months of the year.
Funny. Some blame the victims. Stupid for leaving expensive stuff in their car. Dumb for leaving keys and wallets at the beach and going for a walk. Really dumb for leaving electronics in their rental unit. Unsuspecting tourists have a habit of leaving expensive items like cameras and laptops sitting out in plain view. They make easy targets because they tend to park in remote locations and leave for hours to go swimming, snorkeling or hiking. The people who burglarize cars know the routine. They’re practiced at the old smash and grab. Easy to do, difficult to prevent. In a minute, they can be off and running with thousands of dollars worth of merchandise.
You can bet someone will point out there are burglaries everywhere, not just here. Get used to it. That’s life. Theft happens across the country, every day, in every state, in every city. There are a lot of desperate, angry people trying to survive and some say they have no choice but to steal. But that doesn’t justify crime here or anywhere. Just because some people don’t nail down everything they own, don’t bolt every door and latch every window and have an alarm system, doesn’t mean they’re careless and foolish.
We’re not suggesting anyone be naive or trusting while on Kauai. In fact, we urge folks to be vigilant. We insist they heed police tips to avoid theft. We remind them to take stock at all times of their possessions and guard them. Above all, we ask that everyone be careful out there. And finally, we look forward to the day all these warnings to our visitors and our residents are no longer necessary.
