Man arrested in Big Isle home burglary

Hawaii County police arrested and charged a 21-year-old man on Friday for allegedly burglarizing a home in Pepeekeo.

A neighbor reported seeing a man walk onto a Maukaloa Street property about 10:30 a.m. The neighbor found the man inside the house and confronted him, resulting in the suspect throwing a case through a window, climbing out and running away.

Police recovered the case, which contained a rifle belonging to the victims. They also recovered a backpack left in the house that contained jewelry also belonging to the victims.

Police arrested Scott Taira of Pepeekeo at 11:51 a.m. He was subsequently charged with first-degree burglary and first-degree theft. He remains in police custody in lieu of $10,000 bail.

Rise in Kauai break-ins prompts warning

Kauai police are warning residents of an increase in burglaries along the north shore between Kilauea and Hanalei.

"Detectives are investigating a number of home, vacation rental, and car break-ins that have occurred in the North Shore community in recent weeks," Kauai Police Chief Darryl Perry said in a statement released Friday. "We are asking the public for help in identifying the person or persons who may be responsible. Also, we encourage everyone to implement basic practices to help secure your property."

According to police, the most recent theft occurred Saturday night at the Villas of Kamalii in Princeville when a person entered one of the villas through a screen door and stole a wallet and computer. The occupant of the villa was present but in another room at the time of the burglary.

Perry advised residents to keep their doors locked, even when they are at home. Anyone with information on a recent theft is urged to call police at 241-1711.