Hawai‘i Island police warn public about uptick in vehicle break-ins in Kona

An uptick in vehicle break-ins in the Kona area has prompted Hawai‘i Island police to release tips on how not be victimized by these types of crimes.

During December 2025, police responded to 12 reports of vehicles being unlawfully entered at parks, business areas, public parking lots and commercial zones, compared with five reports the previous month, according to a news release from the department on Friday.

Five of the December incidents involved vehicles that were left unlocked.

Most reported cases involved unlocked vehicles or vehicles with valuables left in plain view, such as wallets, purses, electronics and packages. These crimes are typically opportunistic and can occur at any time of day in both residential neighborhoods and commercial areas.

“Preventing vehicle break-ins is a shared responsibility, and communication is key,” said Sgt. Wyattlane Nahale of the Kona Community Policing Section.

Nahale said there are simple steps that can reduce these crimes of opportunity and keep neighborhoods safe. See safety tips below:

• Lock vehicles every time they are left unattended, even for a short period.
• Remove valuables or keep them out of sight before parking.
• Do not leave keys, key fobs or spare keys inside vehicles.
• Park in well-lit and highly visible areas whenever possible.
• Activate car alarms or anti-theft devices if equipped.
• Ensure windows and sunroofs are fully closed.
• Report suspicious activity immediately to police.

For more crime prevention tips, go to the Hawai‘i Police Department website here.