Community tip, police help used car lot reclaim 5 of 6 stolen vehicles

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A used car dealership in Mapunapuna has recovered five of six vehicles stolen in a break-in earlier this week, with help from police and a community tip.

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General manager Tianqi Li said he arrived Monday morning at City Auto Sales on Ahua Street to find a busted gate lock, a smashed front office door, a broken safe, stolen security camera hard drives and six cars missing — along with their keys and titles.

Li immediately called police, then the news.

Five cars recovered

The following day, police recovered four of the vehicles in Pearl City, Li said. He said the cars were found in what he described as perfect condition, with the keys still inside.

A citizen then called the dealership with a tip about a fifth car — a Toyota Tacoma — located on Fort Weaver Road in Ewa.

“Someone called us, so Christy the boss just went there,” Li said. “I also called the police and the police said don’t even go close to there.”

Li said investigators asked the dealership to wait, as they were watching the vehicle in hopes the thieves would return. When no one showed up, the dealership retrieved the Tacoma using a spare key. The stolen keys and titles were found inside the vehicle.

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“It feel like a relief. It feel like day and night, the difference,” Li said.

Inside job theory reconsidered

The dealership had previously speculated the break-in may have been carried out by a former employee. Li said he is no longer certain of that.

“I don’t really feel it’s an inside job,” Li said, “but probably the people who break in, they know a lot about dealership stuff.”

The one vehicle still missing is a grey 2019 Chevy Colorado. Li said the car is covered by insurance.

Police said the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or CrimeStoppers at 808-955-8300.

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