LIHU'E – In light of the recent rise in burglaries targeting businesses on the Garden Isle, the Kaua'i Police Department is offering tips on what citizens can do to prevent crime.

"I urge everyone to take preventive measures to greatly reduce (their) chances of

becoming a victim of property crime," said Lt. Kaleo Perez, Lihu'e district commander.

Perez has given presentations on crime prevention to a number of community groups

and is willing to do more. He said he has made crime prevention one of his top priorities.

Some of the advice offered by Perez includes:

• Don't keep a lot of cash on hand.

• Form alliances with neighboring businesses to keep an eye out for each other.

• Close and lock your windows when no one is at home.

• Replace windows that cannot be locked securely.

• Install metal or solid wood doors with metal plates around the handle and hardware to thwart prying of the locks.

• Bolt your safe to the floor or wall.

• Install alarm and video surveillance systems.

• Install security lighting and motion sensors.

• Be vigilant and alert to what's happening around you.

• Be aware of anyone who might be "casing" your business for a future break-in.

• Report any suspicious activity to the Kaua'i Police Department, 241-1711, or Crime

Stoppers, 241-1887.

"For homes and businesses located in remote areas or not easily seen by passers-by, a higher degree of security is warranted," Perez said. "I highly recommend installing alarm systems to these homeowners and businesses."

He also emphasized the value of coalitions such as the Neighborhood Watch program.

"Crimes are less likely to occur in areas where people look out after each other," said

Perez.

He recommends that business owners keep fellow businesses apprised of their safety and security concerns.

"When people get together, new ideas and theories arise, which may open your eyes to vulnerabilities in your home or business that you may not have though of," said Perez.

Despite the recent increase in property crime, Perez said that Kaua'i is one of the safest places to live in the U.S.

"Compared to other areas, our crime rate is still relatively low. Certainly the Kaua'i Police Department is doing its best to keep it that way," Perez said.