LIHUE — An increase in islandwide burglaries prompted police to urge citizens to take steps to prevent property crime and to help by reporting suspects. The Kauai Police Department said information and tips from the community helped officers make several theft-related
LIHUE — An increase in islandwide burglaries prompted police to urge citizens to take steps to prevent property crime and to help by reporting suspects.
The Kauai Police Department said information and tips from the community helped officers make several theft-related arrests in a previous burglary spike from November to December.
“Unfortunately, burglaries and thefts are still occurring islandwide, and we’re asking the community to be vigilant,” said Michael Contrades, assistant chief of Investigative Services Bureau. “Reporting suspicious activity will help us in our goal to identify perpetrators and hold them responsible for their crimes.”
Through Jan. 27, KPD reported one arrest for first-degree burglary, one for unauthorized entry into a dwelling, three criminal trespassing, four more for unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle, and one unauthorized control of a propelled vehicle.
There were two robbery arrests along with 12 theft arrests, and six credit card related theft arrests.
In December, KPD made 10 criminal trespassing arrests, along with two unauthorized possession of a propelled vehicle and one for second-degree robbery. There were 25 theft arrests, along with 14 credit card related arrests.
In November, KPD made three arrests for unauthorized entry into a dwelling and one for second-degree criminal trespassing. There were 19 arrests for theft, two more for theft of copper, and three credit card related thefts.
The North Shore crime watch group, Community Against Thieves, posts rewards for the arrest and conviction of the burglars. While taking the brunt of the last few crime sprees, the largely Princeville and Anahola network is saying things are calm right now.
“After checking with the neighbors, it seems we are in the clear over here as far as we know,” said member Leo McCarthy. “Things can change in a minute, but right now we are OK.”
“There has been a little bit of uplift in the January report, although we don’t have very many details about it yet,” added Rory Enright, general manager of Princeville at Hanalei Community Association. “A lot of it is motor vehicle entry issues.”
Residents are urged to be alert to recognize suspicious activity.
“Community involvement is a crucial element to solving and preventing property crimes,” Contrades said. “By working together to hold criminals responsible, we can work to reverse these rising trends in home and car break-ins.”
Crime prevention tips:
• Keep doors and entryways locked at all times, even when you’re home.
• Trim shrubs and hedges around your property so burglars don’t have a place to hide.
• Install motion detection lighting around dark exterior areas, walkways, and doorways.
• If you can afford it, install a security system.
• Be aware of anyone who might be “casing” your property for a future break-in.
• Call police immediately to report a crime or suspicious activity at 241-1711.
