KAILUA-KONA — Police are investigating a string of Thursday morning burglaries at businesses along Alii Drive.
Thousands of dollars of property and cash were taken from establishments in the area of the 75-6100 and 75-6000 blocks, across the street from the Alii Lani Townhomes. The first call came in at 12:36 a.m.
Hawaii Police Maj. Robert Wagner said the crimes are possibly connected.
One of the businesses broken into was Eastern Classics Tattoo, located in the shopping center of Casa de Emdeko. Avery Kealoha got the break-in call around 3:30-4 a.m.
“The store was a mess,” Kealoha said Thursday afternoon. “They kicked in my air conditioner and they entered through there.”
Kealoha said it appeared to be a quick grab and run.
“They went through all the drawers and looked for anything of value,” he said.
Kealoha said the suspects stole approximately 40 tattoo machines valued at $60,000. All handcrafted, he added, they’re rare pieces because they’re not commercial brand.
“Most of the machines, I made with my friends,” Kealoha said. “They’re very sought after and rare because they’re one-of-a-kind.”
Kealoha said his shop is a collection of his international travels in the last 14 years.
“They all mean something to me,” he said of his tattoo machines.
The suspects also attempted to take an autoclave, or sterilizer. Kealoha said it appeared they were unable to get it out the door.
“I really doubt I’ll get anything back, but I’ll appreciate any piece that does come back,” he said.
Police discovered the tattoo parlor had been broken into when they responded to an alarm at 3:41 a.m. at Kona Reef Liquor and Deli, which is right next to the tattoo parlor. Attempts to remove a cash register at the store were unsuccessful.
Prior to the liquor store break-in, a business near the liquor store and tattoo parlor was broken into around 12:36 a.m. Police found a cash register and other miscellaneous items taken, valued at $2,043.
Anyone with information about the stolen property can call Hawaii Police at 935-3311.
What legitimate business doesn’t have security cameras? No sympathy for blatant neglect.
I have a Malinois you can put in there may not get your machines but could get an ankle.knee cap or some fingers