LIHUE — Kauai police are warning the public about a rise in vehicle burglaries, specifically in the Lihue area, and are urging all residents and businesses to be vigilant in preventing property crime and helping to locate suspects.
LIHUE — Kauai police are warning the public about a rise in vehicle burglaries, specifically in the Lihue area, and are urging all residents and businesses to be vigilant in preventing property crime and helping to locate suspects.
According to police, there were 39 reports of unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle in the Lihue area from October to January.
“Unfortunately, a spike in burglaries and thefts are occurring, with a large majority of vehicles being left unlocked with valuables inside,” said Kauai Police Department Acting Chief Michael Contrades.
“Our officers are working hard to investigate these crimes and hold those accountable, while encouraging the community to follow practical tips to help reduce their chances of becoming a victim.”
Police urge residents to lock their cars, close windows, park in busy, well-lit areas, remove valuables, keep vehicle interiors tidy, and report suspicious vehicles or subjects in the area.
“Community involvement is a crucial element to solving and preventing property crimes,” added Contrades.
“By working together to hold those responsible for these crimes and taking preventative measures, we can reverse these rising trends in vehicle break-ins.”
Anyone with information on any recent thefts is urged to call police immediately at 241-1711.
Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers Kauai at 246-8300.
For months, lowlifes have been breaking into rental cars at the Kukui trail parking area on the Kokee road (Hwy 550). Apparently they watch for unsuspecting tourists (or locals) to leave their cars and head down the hiking trail. Then they break out windows and open the cars trunks. If alarms go off, they simply open the hoods and disconnect the battery since the driver/owner is well down the trail by then. To my knowledge, there has been no effort by KPD to curtail this activity. A simple stakeout should be sufficient, but it is apparently too much for KPD to handle…