HPD contacts crime victim after prodding by columnist

Question: What is the normal follow-up from the police after a burglary or robbery? We got victimized, and nobody from the police is calling us. They don’t return our calls, either. We have received no additional information about how the investigation is going, and we can’t add additional information about the burglary, either.

Answer: Sarah Yoro, a spokeswoman for the Honolulu Police Department, provided this overview of the usual follow-up:

“Whether it’s a burglary or a robbery, a detective or investigating officer will contact the complainant once assigned to the case. The investigator will determine if any additional information needs to be gathered and will let the complainant know the status of the case in a reasonable time frame. One of HPD’s priorities is to focus on the reduction of property crimes, especially Burglary 1 cases, which involve the burglary of a residence. Because of the invasive nature of this crime, assigned investigators make it a point to initiate follow-up contact with the complainant. Please keep in mind, there are times when the complainant believes he/she is the victim of a certain crime, when in fact, the case may be classified as something else. We want to encourage the caller to contact HPD and provide us with their name and report number so we may follow up on this incident.”

You were not inclined to call the police again, saying that several calls had gone unreturned. However, you did provide Kokua Line your name, phone number and the police report number, all of which we passed along to Yoro on Wednesday with your permission so that HPD could follow up with you directly.

By your description, you arose in your Diamond Head-area home Oct. 16 to the realization that a criminal had crept in during the night, without waking you, your boyfriend or your 10-year-old dog. The burglar stole cash from your wallet, jewelry, tools and other items, and also stole your car, which later was recovered in Salt Lake.

You provided some information about missing items when police responded the day of the crime, but said you were quite distressed that day and felt reassured when police said you could add more information later, such as if you discovered other items were missing.

You received a letter from HPD confirming the investigation, which included a contact number should you have questions or additional information. You wanted to provide pictures of and details about certain missing items, including a cherished bracelet, but said that your follow-up calls had gone unanswered.

On Thursday, Yoro emailed Kokua Line to say that the detective assigned to your case has contacted you, given you an update on the case and explained how you can obtain a copy of the police report.

Q: Is it too late to file an appeal on my property tax?

A: Not quite, but the deadline is looming. You can file your appeal in person by the end of today’s workday or file online by midnight Sunday. The holiday on Monday prompts no extension.

Even if you file an appeal, you must pay your property taxes as charged by the due date or face penalty and interest charges. If you win your appeal, “any overpayment will be adjusted,” according to the city.

You can find more information on the website of the city Department of Budget and Fiscal Services’ Real Property Assessment Division, including details on what qualifies as valid grounds for an appeal. Go to realpropertyhonolulu.com and click on “appeals” for a drop-down menu that provides general information, or “file an appeal” if you are ready to submit your claim online.

Write to “Kokua Line” at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.