CrimeStoppers and the Honolulu Police Department would like to inform the public about a spike in auto theft cases where vehicles are being stolen with the use of spare keys.

Auto theft detectives are seeing many cases where thieves are stealing vehicles because the spare keys are being left in the vehicle. Once thieves break into the vehicle, they are able to find the spare key and are able to drive away with the vehicle. Thieves are also able to steal the vehicle because keys are being left inside the vehicle when the driver leaves their vehicle momentarily at a store or gas station.

We advise the public to not leave your spare keys in the vehicle. If you have multiple vehicles parked next to each other, do not leave the spare keys for the other vehicles inside. Also, please take your keys with you whenever you exit your vehicle.

Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 955-8300. The public may now send anonymous web tips to www.honolulucrimestoppers.org or via the P3 Tips App.