It’s a sign of the times that, even on Kaua‘i that people must protect themselves from crime. In a community where, not long ago, unlocked home front doors and keys left in vehicle ignitions were common, Kaua‘i residents now must
It’s a sign of the times that, even on Kaua‘i that people must protect themselves from crime.
In a community where, not long ago, unlocked home front doors and keys left in vehicle ignitions were common, Kaua‘i residents now must protect themselves and their property, law-enforcement experts say.
And how can one decrease his or her chances of becoming a victim of crime? Frank Krau, a Maui private investigator, will offer a free workshop this Saturday, May 14, at the Kaua‘i War Memorial Convention Hall in Lihu‘e.
Called “Street Safe: Life in the Real World,” the workshop, which will be held from 9:45 a.m. until noon, will give people a chance to create a line of defense.
“It’s for public awareness,” said Sanae Morita, a member of the Kauai Association for Family and Community Education, one of the sponsors of the program. “A need has been shown throughout the islands” for the workshop, she added.
Krau, a former special agent in U.S. Army intelligence and a former investigator for the state of Hawai‘i, has created this crime-prevention work-shop that teaches participants how to protect themselves from becoming targets for criminals in various settings.
According to a biography supplied by Morita, Krau said he realized a need for this kind of program back in the 1980s.
“While working with the state of Hawai‘i, Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs in the ’80s, I noted an increase in the crime rate in the state,” Krau wrote, “and (I) put together a program on crime prevention which I could present to various community groups which showed an interest.”
He said that, while the program began with information collected from books, magazines and interviews with law-enforcement officials, he also got the chance to talk to various criminals, who gave him a unique perspective.
“I had first-hand information as to how crimes were committed, and the dynamics which make up for criminal activity,” Krau continued. “And I integrated the information they gave me into my program, to make it more accurate.”
The program, he said, focuses on two basic areas — personal safety and home safety.
In the personal-safety portion of his workshop, Krau discusses what to do while at an automated-teller machine, walking down the street, shopping, or parking your car at a shopping center, in order to lessen chances of becoming a crime victim.
Krau also covers home safety education, offering strategies of home security, outdoor lighting and criminal-surveillance techniques.
And, while criminals are constantly changing their techniques, “I am constantly researching my programs, and updating the content,” Krau said.
Workshop participants will also be eligible for door prizes. Free, “Street Safe” items will be given to the first 100 people through the doors.
- For more information on the workshop, please call Morita, 245-6897.
- Tom Finnegan, staff writer, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 252) or tfinnegan@pulitzer.net.
