In light of recent vehicle break-ins in which vehicles were left unlocked, Hawaiʻi Island police are offering auto theft prevention tips regarding vehicle break-ins and vehicle thefts.
During December 2021 through mid-January 2022, there have been a total of 32 vehicle break-ins at numerous areas within the South Hilo district. In the overwhelming majority of these break-ins, unknown suspect(s) gained entry to the vehicles because they were left unlocked by the vehicle’s owner. A handful of the vehicle thefts occurred when keys were left within the vehicle.
Preventative Tips
- Lock the doors and close the windows. Don’t make it easy for a thief to break in or reach in and snatch anything of value.
- Park in well-lit areas. If you’re parking your car somewhere after sunset, try to find a spot underneath a streetlight that’s well lit and well trafficked.
- Hide any valuables. Better yet, avoid keeping valuables in your car at all.
- Don’t leave your car running. It can be tempting to leave your car running when you’re just popping in and out of the store, but this also makes it pretty easy for a thief to hop in and drive away.
- Invest in an anti-theft system. Whether it’s a steering wheel lock, a window alarm, or an ignition cut-off system, anything that makes a thief work harder could also make your car safer. If it will slow them down or potentially get them caught, they’ll probably pass.
Police ask anyone who may have information regarding any vehicle break-ins or vehicle thefts, as well as the whereabouts of the any stolen vehicles, to please contact the police department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311.
Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers island-wide at (808) 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.00. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers does not record calls or subscribe to any Caller ID service. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.