Car Thefts On the Rise in West Hawai`i

Big Island police are warning the public about a rash of auto and moped thefts in West Hawai`i in recent weeks.

So far this month, police are investigating 25 cases of unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle, which is the police term for a stolen vehicles.

That works out to an average of nearly a theft a day.

Police said the thieves seem to be targeting certain models such as Honda sedans and Toyota Tacoma pickup trucks and mopeds, although other vehicles have also been stolen.

The public is advised to lock vehicle doors, even if the vehicle is parked in a driveway. Police said it takes only a few minutes to steal a car left unlocked.

Managers of apartment and condominium complexes are urged to inspect surveillance equipment to ensure it is functioning properly.

Anyone with information on these vehicles thefts is asked to call Det. Sean Smith at 326-4646, Ext. 262, or the police department’s non-emergency line at 935-3311.