HILO, Hawaii: A reported rash of burglaries in Hilo’s Waiakea Houselots area is prompting police to warn the public, which will even include the employment of the county’s automated telephone messaging system. Hawaii County Police issued this media release on Thursday, June 7th.

Big Island police are advising residents in the Waiākea Houselots area of Hilo that their neighborhood has experienced an increase in burglaries since May. Burglars have entered homes through windows to steal jewelry and other items.

Police advise residents in the area to reduce their risk by locking all doors and windows when they leave home.

Police plan to send prerecorded phone notifications to area residents using the Hawaiʻi County Civil Defense Agency’s automated telephone notification system to warn them about the burglaries.

Police ask anyone with information about these burglaries to call Detective James Correa at 961-2289.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers doesn’t record calls or subscribe to caller ID. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.

Residents who wish to schedule an appointment for a free home security inspection may call the Police Department’s Community Policing office at 961-8121.

SOURCE: Hawaii County Police