theft at kapoho light house

[TheodoreJay]

A good srgument for adding full glass coverage and non-owned vehicle coverage to your insurance policy for very low cost. Also, anything really valuable should never be left in the car (csmera and netbook in your daypack tha goes with you at all time).

[janeadams]

Makes me glad we drive beat-up local-style cars. However, this is not just a problem here. I remember my car getting broken into and stuff stolen at a trail head in Stevens Pass in Washington in 1973. I was a student at the time, driving a way-funky Rambler (my Dad's idea of a safe car). For years in the Bay Area and then on Maui, we drove a Miata, with the mantra being "do not leave anything in it, and do not lock it". Never even had a CD player installed. Never got the rag-top knifed or anything stolen or damaged.

Jerry, sounds like the vacation rental folks were thoughtful of their visitor's need for some warnings. I hate fear-mongering, but rental cars just look sooooo strange and tempting to those willing to do mischief. First thing, go get it really really dirty!!! Maybe there's a place for a "rent-a-wreck" type of option!

The advice on insurance is good, and much mahalo needs to be given to those who help out and show the right spirit. They are everywhere, and given the chance, will step up to help those who need it. There are good folks everywhere, and bad folks as well. We have no corner on either market.

Jane

[missydog1]

jane, you are so right about the Bay Area. I got two stereos stolen. Cheap fix ($50 deductible), a ton of hassle. Here is is not about stereos, far as I can tell, but rather personal goodies and portable electronics, also sunglasses if they are expensive. Tourists tend to carry those things, particularly cameras.

You can't hide a rental car. People hardly drive those models here, plus they have stickers, plus the license plate letters are recognizable (newer). I'm pretty sure there's no rent--a-wreck any more.
What seems odd to me on this one is they smashed the windshield. Most break-ins here are done to get the goods, get in and get out first. Side windows broken maybe. A windshield is vandalism and that sort of thing may be more endemic to particular locations.

[janeadams]

Kathy and all,

Yeah, windshield is pretty out there in terms of capricious damage. No disagreement there. Again, more of an angry "cuz I can get away with it' thing.

I literally meant nothing left in the vehicle... take it with you, if you've going shopping and got a full trunk, time to go home.

I just think the principle of not leaving stuff, and knowing it happens at tourist havens world-wide: everywhere, is important. Again, we have no corner on the tourist car vandalism market!!

Not to mention the good folks who've helped out as reported here. Way "mahalo", and we've always experience good aloha when you give it back, though it's got to come through from the heart and soul and how we reach out to people.

Jane