HANALEI – Police detained a 16-year-old male on Thanksgiving Day after the juvenile was linked to at least two burglaries and several home break-ins. Officers responded to three separate home burglaries in the Hanalei area on Thursday morning, where a
HANALEI – Police detained a 16-year-old male on Thanksgiving Day after the juvenile was linked to at least two burglaries and several home break-ins.
Officers responded to three separate home burglaries in the Hanalei area on Thursday morning, where a number of electronic devices and other items were reported stolen.
Detectives with the Investigative Services Bureau were called in about 11:45 a.m. to assist with the investigation that led officers to a home on Keneke Street in Kilauea. During questioning, the teenage occupant of the home admitted to officers he was involved in two of the three Hanalei burglaries that morning. All of the stolen items from those incidents were recovered from the suspect.
The male teen also relayed to officers that he broke into about eight other homes that day, but no items were stolen because nothing of value was located.
He was booked for two counts of first-degree burglary and custody was transferred to the state Sheriff Division, as is standard procedure with juvenile arrests.
Assistant Chief Ale Quibilan of the Investigative Services Bureau warns residents and visitors that it is common to see a spike in break-ins during the holiday season.
“The holidays are an ideal time for thieves because homes and cars are filled with newly purchased items,” Quibilan said. “However, citizens can greatly decrease their chances of falling victim by remaining vigilant and following a few safety precautions.”
The Kauai Police Department offers these holiday season crime prevention tips:
• Always lock the doors of your vehicle or residence, even when you’re home.
• Check all locks around your home and replace any that are damaged or defective.
• Do not leave shopping bags or other personal items in plain view in your car. Thieves are less likely to break-in if they feel there’s nothing of value to steal.
• Always carry your purse and never leave it in the cart while you shop. Never expose excessive cash in public.
• Park only in well-lit areas and be aware of your surroundings.
• Keep the area around your home well lit by installing motion-sensor lighting and install a security system, if you can afford it.
• Be aware of anyone who might be “casing” your home and form alliances with neighbors, such as an organized Neighborhood Watch Program.
Police continue to search for possible suspect(s) involved in the third Hanalei burglary reported on Thursday. Anyone with information on this or other possible break-ins is urged to contact police immediately at 241-1711.
For more information on a Neighborhood Watch Program in your area, contact Community Relations Sgt. Rod Green at 241-1669.
