A 32-year-old Kona man was arrested and charged for breaking into four vehicles at a business in the Kaloko Industrial Area.
On May 2, 2022, shortly after 6:30 a.m., Kona patrol officers responded to the Kaloko Industrial Area for a theft from within a motor vehicle. It was later determined that four company vehicles had been unlawfully entered into, with tools and other items taken without permission. Police located Andrew Graszer, who was in the vicinity of where the crimes occurred. Through preliminary investigation and the public’s assistance, police were able to identify him as the suspect and subsequently placed him under arrest.
As a result of an investigation by Kona patrol officers and members of the Area II Special Enforcement Unit, Graszer was later charged with second-degree burglary and four counts of first-degree unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle (UEMV). His bail was set at $10,000. Unable to post bail, Graszer remained in police custody until he made his initial court appearance on Wednesday, May 4, 2022, in Kona District Court.
As a reminder, the Hawai‘i Police Department recommends businesses and private citizens mark or engrave their property and record serial numbers. Both actions greatly increase the police department’s ability to identify stolen property and solve crimes. Many times when property is taken, the items are indistinguishable from others of the same make. Marking property sets it apart from similar items, thereby allowing police to confirm that the item belongs to the person who reported it stolen.
Serial numbers are also critical for helping to identify the property. Simply recording the number in a notebook or similar log can be extremely helpful to police investigators and can assist with the apprehension and prosecution of suspects.