HONOLULU (AP) — Honolulu and Japanese authorities are teaming up with businesses in an effort to reduce crimes against Japanese visitors to the city.
HONOLULU (AP) — Honolulu and Japanese authorities are teaming up with businesses in an effort to reduce crimes against Japanese visitors to the city.
“We’ve noticed that Japanese visitors are vulnerable targets. They’re targets of opportunity,” said Honolulu police Maj. Ryan Borges. “They drive around on these bikes with a basket on the front with their property inside.”
A Tokyo police detective met with the Honolulu Police Department Friday to discuss recent crimes targeting Japanese visitors, Hawaii News Now reported (https://bit.ly/1Mes0EI).
The latest attacks include a woman who had her purse snatched last week and a tourist whose backpack was stolen while he was riding a bicycle two weeks ago. Another Japanese visitor was injured last month in a drive-by-purse snatching near Lanikai Beach.
The police department is working to coordinate efforts with Kailua businesses to help keep customers from becoming victims.
“The conversation is happening, so that’s good,” said Chris Kojima, owner of Kailua Outdoor Adventures, which rents bikes to visitors. “We’re bringing a lot of awareness of the dangers of these criminals coming into our towns.”
Kojima said two of his customers were involved in the recent attacks, so he is allowing people to stash their belongings in his store while they are out riding bikes. He is also “telling them don’t put anything really super valuable in your basket,” he said.
The police department is planning another meeting next month at the Japanese consulate with businesses and tour groups to discuss more ways to keep visitors safe.