LIHU‘E — Police have recovered the safe taken from the Kaua‘i Community College bookstore last Tuesday and have a lead in the ongoing investigation, according to Kaua‘i Police Department Det. Randy Chong Tim, the detective handling the case. Chong Tim
LIHU‘E — Police have recovered the safe taken from the Kaua‘i Community College bookstore last Tuesday and have a lead in the ongoing investigation, according to Kaua‘i Police Department Det. Randy Chong Tim, the detective handling the case.
Chong Tim said yesterday in a phone interview that the safe had been found in an “unusual location” — on another police officer’s property — with cash missing but a collection of items left inside.
He said the thieves left coins and other items, which he declined to describe, and were “only interested in the cash.”
“Most burglaries happening recently are going after money, not looking for objects they can trade or sell,” Chong Tim said. “It’s just a sign of the times. … They want money so they can get their drugs, and a lot of the dealers aren’t taking property right now, only cash.”
The safe had nearly $10,000 in it when it was taken after the second day of classes, bookstore manager Jolynne Uyesono said last week.
Chong Tim said the 300- to 400-pound safe had been opened, likely by prybars and other instruments, in a secluded area where at least two thieves “had some peace and quiet to work on it.”
The detective said the burglars “know what they’re doing,” as officers tried to take fingerprints at the scene but were unsuccessful. Chong Tim said smudges in the bookstore were an indication that the thieves were wearing gloves.
Fingerprints could still be useful to police, the detective said, as the recovered items and the safe itself still have to be processed for prints.
Chong Tim said KPD may implement a process known as “fuming” where they put items in a chamber and use chemicals to make the fingerprints visible to the naked eye. Then, officers will try to match up the prints with those on file for someone who has been arrested previously.
Asked to comment on rumors that other safes have been taken recently, Chong Tim said theories at KPD included people from off island coming to Kaua‘i for the purpose of stealing safes, or locals coming out periodically and then “fading back into the shadows.”
In light of the recent rise in burglaries targeting local businesses, the Kaua‘i Police Department yesterday released tips on what citizens can do to prevent these types of crimes.
“I urge everyone to take preventive measures to greatly reduce your chances of becoming a victim of property crime,” said Lt. Kaleo Perez, Lihu‘e district commander, in a written statement.
“For homes and businesses located in remote areas or not easily seen by passers-by, a higher degree of security is warranted,” noted Perez. “I highly recommend installing alarm systems to these home-owners and businesses.”
He also emphasized the value of coalitions such as the Neighborhood Watch program.
“Crimes are less likely to occur in areas where people look out after each other,” said Perez.
He recommends that business owners keep fellow businesses apprised of their safety and security concerns.
“When people get together, new ideas and theories arise, which may open your eyes to vulnerabilities in your home or business that you may not have thought of,” said Perez.
Despite the recent increase in property crime, Perez said that Kaua‘i is one of the safest places to live in the U.S.
“Compared to other areas, our crime rate is still relatively low. Certainly the Kaua‘i Police Department is doing its best to keep it that way,” said Perez.
Some of the key advice offered by Perez includes:
• Don’t keep a lot of cash on hand.
• Form alliances with neighboring businesses to keep an eye out for each other.
• Close and lock your windows when no one is at home.
• Replace windows that cannot be locked securely.
• Install metal or solid wood doors with metal plates around the handle and hardware to thwart prying of the locks.
• Bolt your safe to the floor or wall.
• Install alarm and video surveillance systems.
• Install security lighting and motion sensors.
• Be vigilant and alert to what’s happening around you.
• Be aware of anyone who might be “casing” your business for a future break-in.
• Report any suspicious activity to the Kaua‘i Police Department, 241-1711, or Crime Stoppers, 241-1887.
