Hawaii police advise tourists, sunbathers to take their valuables into the water to avoid theft

In advance of Hawaii's King Kamehameha Day holiday, law enforcement in the state capital urged locals and tourists spending time next to the ocean to take extra precautions to avoid having their belongings stolen. The Honolulu Police Department suggested people should refrain from leaving valuables on the beach, and instead bring them with them into the water. 

The announcement comes amid a spike in crime in the state, with criminals specifically targeting beaches as the weather warms and more people head out to enjoy the sun. While some said they would abide by the advice, others were more critical.

"For those enjoying the beach, don't leave valuables unattended on the sand," the HPD wrote on Instagram. "Instead, use a waterproof bag that you can take into the water with you."



The post was met with a number of comments suggesting the police could also cut down on crime by "doing [their] job," and "arresting, prosecuting and locking up criminals." One user claimed leaving things on the beach was still a better option, given the risks posed by taking them into the salt water.

"Leaving items on the beach has the risk of: 1. Being taken," he wrote. "Putting wallets and cell phones in plastic bags has the risk of: 1. Thinking you sealed it right and you didn't and water gets in. 2. You sealed it right but it still becomes unsealed with movement/pressure and water gets in. 3. You lost the whole bag while in the water and don't notice until is too late. Your approach puts way more people at risk."

Among the most popular beaches on the archipelago is Waikiki, which sits on the south shore of Honolulu. According to Hawaii News Now, 160 thefts were reported in that neighborhood in April alone. Police are preparing for a busy weekend as Hawaiians celebrate the aforementioned holiday.