Hawai'i Island Police said investigating recent thefts involving specialty license plates in Kona, a press release reported.
"Throughout the day on Aug. 5, Kona patrol officers received nine separate reports of theft of license plates, all occurring during the daytime hours in Kona," the release stated. "The stolen license plates were all specialty Polynesian Voyaging Society license plates, taken from parking lots of various business establishments while the vehicles were parked and unattended."
The Hawai'i Police Department (HDP) has not identified any potential suspect or suspects who may be involved. However, HPD has advised the public to park in well-lit areas, park near surveillance cameras and park in attended parking lots. Additionally, parking near store entrances, where it is highly populated, is suggested. HPD recommends utilizing special screws when securing license plates that require a special security wrench to remove. When parking at home, if possible, park in a locked garage.
HPD urges the community to report any suspicious persons or activity. Anyone who may have information regarding these incidents is asked to contact the police department's non-emergency line at 808-935-3311. Anonymous information can be submitted by calling the islandwide Crime Stoppers at 808-961-8300. Tipsters may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000, HPD said. Anonymous calls through the program will not be recorded, nor does the program subscribe to caller ID.