A recent uptick in reported thefts of bicycles in the Hilo area has prompted police to theft prevention tips.
To prevent a bicycle from becoming a target of theft, the Hawaii Police Department recommends registering the bicycle with Hawaii County, always securing it properly and in a visible area, parking it indoors for extended periods, and creating a unique, hard-to-sell look.
According to police, it is required that all bicycles that have two tandem wheels that are 20 inches or more in diameter are required to be registered in accordance with section 249-14 of the Hawaii Revised Statutes. Bicycle may be registered through the County of Hawaii Department of Finance. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3AAO3Gp or call (808) 961-8413.
Bicycles with wheels less than 20 inches in diameter are not required to be registered but owners may register them to facilitate the return of a recovered stolen bicycle.
The permanent registration fee is $15 and a replacement tag fee is $2. Residents must be at least 18 years of age to register a bicycle.