Hawaii Island police are investigating a significant increase in reported car break-ins over the past three months, particularly in the Waiakea Uka and Kaumana areas of Hilo.
Most of the break-ins took place overnight with wallets or other personal information being stolen. In a majority of these cases, the victim’s cars had been left unlocked and parked either on streets fronting the owner’s home or on the owner’s property, according to the Hawaii Police Department.
“No one wants to wake up and discover that their car has been broken into. Please help us by reporting any suspicious persons in your neighborhood,” said Capt. Richard Sherlock. “This is a good opportunity to remind everyone to lock parked cars and roll up the windows,” he added.
The public is urged to call the Police Department’s nonemergency line at 935-3311 to report suspicious activities. Those who prefer to remain anonymous may call the islandwide Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers doesn’t record calls or subscribe to caller ID. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.