KAILUA-KONA >> Big Island police are investigating the theft of five cars from a Kailua-Kona towing company.

West Hawaii Today reports thieves apparently cut through a chain securing a gate to a holding yard at T&T Towing.

The theft likely happened Monday night.

Office manager Kumai Obrey says tracks left after the rain stopped showed where the thieves had pushed non-operating vehicles out of the way.

Obrey says a tow truck might have been involved. One of the stolen vehicles couldn’t have been driven far with bad suspension and a tire ready to fall off.

Obrey says the keys were left in the vehicles because they are frequently moved around the lot. That’s why the company barricaded them with nonworking vehicles.

The stolen vehicles were being stored for an auction company.