Police report there has been a slight rise in theft and burglary on the North Shore. They said it is very important for students and community members to lock up their possessions and their houses when they leave.
Though most of the criminal activity has been directed at tourists, according to Sergeant Gerald Bento of the Kahuku Police Station, some locals have also had their cars stolen if they have been unlocked or doors left open.
“We do have a problem with the beach rental houses,” Bento said. “Whoever is doing the burglaries, they know people are there for a little while and going back to the mainland so nothing will happen. We’ve been getting people who are stealing cars who are maybe from the other side of the island. They come over to this side and break into the cars of mostly tourists because they have cameras and cash they’re after.”
Despite tourists being targeted, locals could get their personal items stolen if they aren’t careful. “The criminals are going for crimes of opportunity. If locals are leaving valuables in unlocked cars or places that are unsealed, they will take advantage and try and get it,” said Bento.
He said people must be aware of their surroundings; even if it seems like nobody is watching, somebody could be. Bento suggested, “If you are planning on going to the North Shore, I wouldn’t wait until you get there to put your cameras away. People will watch and see where you put your purse or your bags. Load your car and hide your valuables somewhere and then drive to the location you’re going to.”
Besides the police, BYU–Hawaii Security does patrols on campus as well as off campus. “There are off-campus drive-bys, but we are not there 24/7 so be aware,” said Anthony Pickard, manager at the Security office.
He suggested if you live off campus, “Get to know your neighbors and support each other. If you see a suspicious person, report it. People are looking to see when people put their guard down.”
At BYUH, students may drive, bike, or skate to school. Pickard suggested if you drive a car to not park it in the same place. “Move it around and don’t park in one place for a long time. That way people can’t watch it as easily,” he said.
Bento said most burglars and thieves are experienced at theft. “A majority are repeat offenders,” said Bento. “They are the same guys coming out of prison and going back to old habits.”
“The biggest thing to do is look out for each other,” said Bento. “Just call us if you feel like something's not right, and we’ll come out and do what we can. Even though you may feel someone has done something, if we don’t have probable cause, we can still start some investigation. … If you have an attitude of not bothering us, it’s harder to protect you.”
If you ride a bike, Pickard suggested you lock it up, because bikes are the most common item stolen. “Get a permit. Off-campus bike permits make it easier for the police to find the bikes,” he said. “Very rarely is a bike taken if it is locked up.”
Pickard said if you act smart, lock up everything and coordinate with your roommates to keep everything secure, you can keep all your possessions. “Everything can be preventable,” said Pickard.
When you go to the beach, also be aware that people could be watching. “A lot of new students should be aware and secure belongings on the beach. They think it's secure, but it's not safe. Someone could be watching and pick it up,” said Pickard.