Police: 33 Kona Burglaries in September

Thirty-three burglaries took place in the Kona District during the month of September, and the Hawai’i Police Department is urging the public to take precautions against being the target of a burglary.

Police say that 13 of the 33 Kona burglaries occurred along Ali’i Drive and that many were in condominium units, where intruders gained entry using unlocked sliding glass doors.

HPD issued the following tips for burglary prevention:

• Lock your doors and windows when you leave your home.
• Don’t leave notes saying you’re not home and when you will return.
• Become familiar with your neighbors and their cars.
• Beware of strangers knocking on doors. They may be burglars checking to see if a house is unoccupied.
• Don’t leave a house key hidden outside your home.
• Keep your home well lit.
• Keep trees and bushes trimmed so they don’t provide cover for burglars.
• If you come home and see evidence that someone has been in your home or may still be there, leave the area and call police immediately.
• Report any suspicious activity.

Anyone with information regarding suspicious activity should call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311.

Burglaries in progress should be reported by calling 911.

Individuals who would like to provide anonymous tips regarding burglaries or other crimes should call the Big Island Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300.