Prada burglary could be 1 in a series
Police are scouring places like swap meets and online auctions to track goods from a string of possibly related thefts, including a million-dollar Prada burglary over the holiday weekend.
Assistant Chief Michael Tucker, head of the Honolulu Police Department's Central Patrol Bureau, confirmed police are investigating at least 19 burglaries islandwide, dating back to fall, that may be connected.
Each of the burglaries had similar characteristics, Tucker said, although he wouldn't provide specifics.
The Prada theft occurred at the company's Kakaako warehouse over the Christmas weekend, and was reported the day after Christmas. Prada told police about $1 million in goods was pilfered, including shoes, clothes and wallets.
The warehouse's security system was compromised, and police believe the thieves may have been there for several hours. Tucker stressed that it would take time before they identify the suspects.
"It's not like on TV, where everything is solved in an hour or two," Tucker said. "What we have to do is get the forensics. ... We're asking assistance from the utilities involved, the security companies involved and the businesses involved."
Police are looking at places like swap meets and eBay for the stolen items.
"Those are the typical areas where people try to get rid of things," said Tucker, adding that shoppers should be wary about Prada products not sold at its stores.
"If you go into a swap meet to buy a Prada product, buyer beware," Tucker said.
Prada Hawaii did not return calls for comment yesterday.
A jewelry wholesaler, Schwartz Inc. on Bethel Street, confirmed it was hit on Dec. 4 under similar circumstances.
Owner Mimi Olsen said about $150,000 in jewelry, including gold and diamond pieces, and cash were taken. She found that the wiring for her alarm system was cut and that the cameras were covered.
The stolen items made up most of her holiday inventory, she said. Her manufacturer is closed for the holidays until next month, so her business foundered during the shopping season.
Olsen's business is on the fourth floor, but six years ago she occupied a third-floor unit that now houses a tailoring business. Last month, the tailoring business' security systems were cut as well, but nothing was stolen, Olsen said.
"Someone knew exactly what to do," Olsen said. "They break in to the same place where I used to be, then three weeks later they break into my place. I think it was an inside job."