How to Prevent Theft on Vacation

Theft Happens on Maui - even at Mama's ... so take these precautions. OK?

You may think Maui is a paradise, but as anyone who lives here knows, it’s got its share of problems. (At the moment, my biggest is VOG, but that’s another story.) While major crimes might be low compared to other areas of the country, theft is a possibility.

I was reminded of this as I read this post about a recent “discussion” between a visitor and the owners of Mama’s Fish House. The visitor claims that her luggage was stolen out of her rental car while it was parked in the restaurant’s lot (which is valet only). Mama’s claims no responsibility, and in pretty vehement language.

There is a drug problem on Maui (so, so, so sad), and young addicts (and occasionally people who just like to harass tourists) will steal to support their habit. They are quick, fast, and very sneaky. I almost never hear of muggings, but I certainly hear of theft from cars left unattended.

I don’t want to alarm you, of course, and I don’t believe that this is cause for concern – just for caution. Just as I used to tell friends visiting me in Manhattan to “never take the shortcut through the alley,” I have some tips for staying safe on your Maui vacation:

1. Don’t leave anything valuable in your rental car, no matter how quick you’ll be. A couple of years ago some friends from the mainland were stopped on the side of the road out past Kapalua, their wallets, keys, and cameras (still and video) were stolen out of their car while  they had their backs turned for about ten minutes.
2. Don’t put things in your trunk. Sorry, but thieves are watching you as you pull up, and most cars have trunk access through the back seat. They just have to break a window, climb inside, and yank the seat down to get your goods. No problem.
3. Keep Maui Revealed and maps and other guidebooks out of sight. As much help as they may be to you on your vacation, they signal to a thief “I’ve got enough money to vacation on Maui – and probably left an iPod in the car.”

Note: Many Maui locals detest “the blue book” because of its seeming impact on everything from our privacy in our backyards to our coral reefs. Don’t be surprised if you get some rolled eyes when you rave about it – although most try to keep their thoughts to themselves.

When James and I park our car to hike or go to the beach, we take everything valuable with us, and leave the doors of our little red car unlocked.

It’s got plenty of dents and does NOT look like a rental, but we figure that thieves might think it looks attractive anyway. A few towels and recycling bins in the backseat (I’m not kidding) can signal “I live here, too.” And the unlocked doors mean they can open up, nose around, and find nothing without having to break the window first.