Police Offer Tips to Guard Against Vehicle Thefts and Break-ins

As part of their ongoing commitment to make Hawai‘i Island a safe place to live, visit, and conduct business, Hawai‘i Police Department is encouraging people to take precautions against auto thefts and car break-ins.

Auto thefts and break-ins tend to be crimes of opportunity. Thieves will break into vehicles when the owners leave valuables in plain sight, leave the windows open and doors unlocked, and park in an isolated area. 

“While there’s no surefire way to deter these kind of thieves, there are some steps you can take to make your vehicle a less appealing target,” said Captain Scott Amaral of Puna Patrol.  He added that many auto thefts could easily be stopped if the owners lock their vehicle doors and don’t leave the keys in the ignition.

“Above all, thieves look for opportunities. Make them work for it and they’ll most likely move on and look for an easier target.”  

Police offer these tips:

• Do not park in isolated or remote areas.
• Even when at home lock your vehicle and take your key with you.
• Park in well-lit areas.
• Activate/install audible alarms.
• Place all items of value out of sight.
• Lock all of your car doors and close your windows.
• Do not leave a spare key near or in your vehicle.
• Do not leave keys unattended while at your destination.
• At home, do not leave keys hanging on a key holder by the door. Secure it.

Hawai‘i Police Department asks the public to be vigilant and report suspicious activities around parked vehicles by calling the Police Department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call the island-wide Crime Stoppers number at (808) 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.