Backhoe Thefts Happening on the Big Island of Hawaii
17 Nov 2018Over the past weeks, two backhoes have been deliberately stolen from worksites in Hawaii. Hawaii Police are requesting the public’s assistance in identifying the perpetrators responsible for these crimes.
According to the Captain of Puna Police, Ken Quiocho, construction equipment is often left on a job site until the next job is scheduled. At that point, the equipment is transferred to the new job. Police believe someone is gaining access to job site schedules and taking the backhoes before they are relocated.
Paul Aoki, a Construction worker with GW, told media outlets that the company did not realize the backhoe was missing for nearly 24 hours. Thankfully, employees found a revealing post on a social media website that tipped them off to the crime. Aoki’s supervisor immediately visited the job site upon hearing the news, and he reported the backhoe stolen to police.
Thankfully, the backhoe in question was located due to the perpetrator’s social media post. Police are still unsure of the identity behind the social media account. Sadly, many similar crimes often go unsolved. One owner of a construction equipment rental company, Paul Pestana, explains that stealing backhoes and other valuable construction equipment is not that hard, and the equipment can be expensive. H
He explains how owners can employ certain measures to protect their equipment. Pestana’s company utilizes GPS tracking technology on their equipment to help them keep track of where all their vehicles are. Pestana told media sources that he has personally had his equipment driven away from a job site in the middle of the night. The GPS equipment tracking device alerted him that it was leaving the area, so he immediately reached out to the Hawaii Police Department to report the equipment’s status and location.
If anyone has any information pertaining to this crime, then they are being asked to reach out to Officer Kennanlee Ouranitsas of the Puna Patrol. His office number is 808-965-2716, or you can reach out to the Puna Patrol’s non-emergency line at 808-935-3311. People with information who would rather remain anonymous can also contact Crime Stoppers with tips at 961-8300. Individuals that provide tips that lead to the successful capture of the responsible suspects may be entitled to receive a cash award.
If you own backhoes or other equipment and are looking to be able to locate it quickly if stolen, take a good look at GPS equipment tracking. And, if you have any questions, we’re happy to answer them. Give us a call here at LiveViewGPS at 1-888-544-0494.
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