WAIMEA — During July, 14 cars were broken into and five stolen in Waimea.
The month prior, none were reported.
“From what we have seen, it appears to be random car thefts and not targeted,” said South Kohala Community Police Officer Thomas Koyanagi. “There is no indication or information that would lead us to believe that these vehicles were targeted (in advance).”
The car models varied from a BMW sedan to a Toyota Tacoma pickup truck. Others included a Chevrolet pickup truck, a Saturn SUV and a Ford SUV.
The cars were recovered in a short period of time.
“Out of the five, two were reported by people who saw suspicious vehicles randomly parked in their parking area within two miles from where they were stolen,” Koyanagi said. “Valuables were taken but we were able to recover all of the vehicles quickly — the BMW the next day and the other cars within three days.”
Despite the value of the actual cars, all five were abandoned.
“The people who stole them may have just wanted to take a free ride or drive around town,” he said. “It’s different than the car thefts over in Hilo.”
The break-in methods were consistent.
“It seems that all of the vehicles that were taken were unlocked and either had a key in the vehicle or a hide-a-key was found,” Koyanagi said. “No force was used to take the vehicles.”
Unlike Waimea, there were no break-ins or car thefts during July in nearby Waikoloa Village, Waikoloa Resort, Hawi, Kawaihae or Honokaa in July.
“There was an increase only in Waimea this past month,” he said. “July was the highest for actual thefts.”
Officers advise several tactics to prevent future break-ins and thefts — some old, some new.
“Please lock your vehicles. Don’t leave your keys in the vehicle, such as in the ignition, center console, sun visor/shade or under the floor mats,” Koyanagi said. “Also if you use a hide-a-key, don’t place it in common places such as the front/rear bumper, by the gas tank and places that can be easily accessed. The hide-a-keys are to be used in emergency situations so place them in harder to reach areas.”
He continued that most of all, people shouldn’t leave valuables such as iPads, tablets, laptops, cell phones and other high-priced items within a vehicle. Valuables should be kept at home, but it’s important to remember to lock residences as well.
Another tried-and-true method to prevent car break-ins or thefts are “The Club” steering wheel lock, popular in the late 1980s and early ‘90s. A newer option is placing video cameras in cars.
“A lot of people have installed onboard cameras in their cars to catch the action of others,” Koyanagi said. “Several people in Waimea still use the ‘The Club’ slipped over the steering wheel. It would probably deter people from breaking in because it’s a hassle to try to remove it.”
To keep potential burglars out of Waimea, the police staff have also upped their watch in highly populated areas around town.
“Officers have increased patrolling areas where the increase of vehicle thefts have occurred, such as the Lualai subdivision, Kawaihae Road, ballparks and right in the middle of town,” Koyanagi said. “We conduct random patrols throughout the district, especially during the hours of darkness.”
To report car break-ins or thefts, call the dispatch at 935-3311 or call 911. An officer will be dispatched and a report is then generated and processed.