Captain Cook Man Arrested for Theft of Over 50 Specialty License Plates and Street Signs in West Hawaii
A 53-year-old man from Captain Cook has been arrested and charged with second-degree theft after an investigation into the theft of more than 50 specialty license plates and street signs in West Hawaii. The arrest was made by the Honolulu Police Department (HPD).
The arrest comes after numerous reports of thefts of specialty license plates and state and county signs, prompting the HPD’s Area II CIS investigators to identify Christopher Kroncke as a suspect during their investigation.
On September 6, 2023, Kona Community Policing officers and Kona Patrol officers executed a search warrant at Kroncke’s residence in Captain Cook. The purpose of the search was to locate any of the reported stolen items.
During the search, the police discovered 51 state and county street signs with a total value of $11,455. These signs included stop signs, highway mile marker signs, street name signs, and district designation signs. Kroncke was immediately arrested at the scene and taken to the Kealakehe Police Station for further investigation.
The following day, September 7, 2023, detectives formally charged Kroncke with second-degree theft. His bail was set at $2,000. After posting bail, he was released and is scheduled to appear in the Kona District Court on October 5, 2023.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to this investigation to come forward and contact Detective Len Hamakado at (808)326-4646, extension 224, or via email at Len.Hamakado@hawaiicounty.gov.
The stolen license plates and street signs are an area of concern as they are crucial for ensuring public safety on the roads. The theft of these items can lead to confusion and potential accidents if not promptly replaced. The police’s swift action in apprehending a suspect and recovering a significant number of stolen signs should provide some reassurance to the community.
However, it is worth noting that there may be more individuals involved in this theft ring, and the investigation is ongoing. The HPD will continue to work diligently to determine if there are any additional suspects and ensure that justice is served.
Overall, this incident serves as a reminder for everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities promptly. By working together, the community can help prevent and deter such thefts, ultimately contributing to a safer environment for all residents and visitors in West Hawaii.
