By Staff Reports

(LĪHU’E) – Police have seen a spike in reported car break-ins this month and are urging residents and visitors to take necessary precautions to protect and secure personal property.

“People have more control over preventing property crimes than they may realize,” stated Kaua’i Police Chief Darryl Perry. “By making simple changes to everyday habits, citizens can greatly lower their chances of falling victim. That starts with keeping home and car doors locked at all times, even when you are home.”

Officers responded to seven car break-ins in Līhu‘e Saturday morning. In all but one of those cases, the vehicles were left unlocked and the owners are now missing purses, wallets, phones and cash left inside of their vehicles.

“The next important step is to never leave valuables in your car, including the trunk,” warned Chief Perry. “Bags, wallets, electronics and even phone chargers left in a vehicle are an invitation to potential thieves. Your vehicle is less tempting to intruders if there is nothing in it to steal.”

In addition, the Kaua‘i Police Department offers these crime prevention tips:

• Never leave your keys in the car or hide a spare outside of the car.
• Never hide your house key outside.
• Install motion detection lighting around dark exterior areas, walkways, and doorways.
• Trim shrubs and hedges around your home so burglars don’t have a place to hide.
• If you move into a new home, or lose a copy of your key, change your locks immediately.
• Be aware of anyone who might be “casing” your property for a future break-in.

The Kaua’i Police Department also offers property owners a checklist to assess if a home or business is properly secured. To download the free checklist, go to www.kauai.gov/police and click on the ‘Community Relations’ tab.

KPD also encourages communities to form alliances to keep an eye out for each other. By participating in an organized Neighborhood Watch Program, communities can work directly with the police department to determine and deter crime trends in their neighborhoods in a manner that is both safe and effective.

“With a commitment from the community, a Neighborhood Watch Program can create a greater awareness of what is occurring in the area, and with that, a greater sense of security and well-being.”

For more information on a Neighborhood Watch Program in your area, contact Community Relations Sgt. Rod Green at 241-1669.

Police urge residents and visitors to report suspicious activity immediately by calling Police Dispatch at 241-1711.