Robbers target smaller stores, individuals

By Rod Ohira and Scott Ishikawa
Advertiser Staff Writers

Two men with pistols pulled off separate robberies Monday in Waikiki and Wai'anae, raising the total of O'ahu holdups to 16 this month.

December usually has a high rate of bank holdups, but this year the target of armed robbers has been small businesses.

"We're looking at several suspects, and we plan to do a photo lineup," said Maj. Darryl Perry of the Honolulu Police Department's Criminal Investigation Division, who declined to discuss specifics. "We're also reviewing video from store security cameras."

Monday's robberies are typical of what has been occurring. Euro Hut on Ka'iulani Avenue in Waikiki was held up at 5:32 p.m. A 76-year-old salesclerk was helping a man who said he wanted to buy sunglasses when the man pulled a pistol and demanded money from the register.

Aloha Island Mini Mart at 94-767 Farrington Highway was robbed by a gunman at 8:45 p.m.

O'ahu averaged eight robberies a month involving firearms last year, according to 2001 crime statistics. Pistols have been used in 12 robberies in 10 days this month.

Calling the string of robberies "an anomaly," Perry said: "We do want to get control of the situation before someone gets hurt."

Perry asked business owners and employees not to resist any armed intruders intent on robbery.

"We don't know the state of mind of these guys — if they're under the influence of drugs or alcohol," he said. "Time is on the police's side in catching these guys, so it's better not to resist."

Perry also asked shop owners to re-evaluate their security video camera systems, since many are outdated.

"We understand there is a cost factor, but if they do upgrade their systems, we're asking if they can go digital. We now have the technology to enhance and clean up digital video to help in our investigations."

Anyone with information on any of the cases is asked to call HPD's Criminal Investigation Division at 529-3115 or CrimeStoppers at 955-8300.

December armed robberies Marujyu Market suspect • Dec. 1 — Marujyu Market (Waimalu), 98-020 Kamehameha Highway; male suspect, pistol. • Dec. 2 — Apartment at 1800 Kapi'olani Blvd.; male suspect, hatchet. • Dec. 2 — Times Super Market, 590 Kailua Road; two men in ski masks, pistol. • Dec. 2 — Jack in the Box (Mililani), 95-221 Kipapa Drive; three male suspects, brass knuckles and baseball bat. • Dec. 3 — Pearl City Chevron Service, 777 Kamehameha Highway; male suspect, pistol. • Dec. 4 — Motorist on Kahakai Drive, Waikiki; three male suspects, pistol. • Dec. 4 — Person using First Hawaiian Bank ATM, 1580 Kapi'olani Blvd.; male and female suspects, knife. • Dec. 4 — Baskin-Robbins, Waipahu Town Center; male suspect, pistol. • Dec. 5 — Bus stop, North King Street near Pua Lane; male suspect, pistol. Video Warehouse suspect • Dec. 5 — The Video Warehouse, 98-019 Kamehameha Highway; two male suspects, pistol. • Dec. 6 — Jewelry store at Ke'eaumoku and Makaloa streets; male and female suspects, pistol. • Dec. 6 — Kalihi residence on Alani Street; male suspect, pistol; shot fired (victim suffered graze wound). • Dec. 8 — Domino's Pizza ('Ewa), 91-775 Papipi Road; male suspect, pistol. • Dec. 8 — Apartment at 1778 Ala Moana; physical assault. (A 25-year-old man was arrested Monday.) • Dec. 9 — Euro Hut, Ka'iulani Avenue; male suspect, pistol. • Dec. 9 — Aloha Island Mini Mart, 94-767 Farrington Highway; male suspect, pistol.