HONOLULU — The Department of Law Enforcement (DLE), in partnership with the Department of Agriculture and the Office of the Governor, has launched a new tool to combat agricultural crime across Hawaiʻi: the AG CRIME TIP LINE — a fast, secure, and anonymous way to report theft, vandalism, trespassing, and other crimes impacting farmers and ranchers.
📞 AG CRIME TIP LINE – NOW ACTIVE
The AG Crime Tip Line provides a way for the public to report:
- Theft of crops, livestock, or equipment
- Trespassing or illegal hunting on private farmland
- Vandalism or property damage
- Suspicious or repeat activity in rural areas
Reports can include:
- Descriptions, photos, or video evidence
- Estimated value of stolen or damaged property
- Location or time of incident
Why This Program Is Urgently Needed
In 2020 alone, Hawaiʻi County reported:
- 66 cases of felony agricultural theft
- 30 trespassing cases
- 48 additional related offenses
- (According to the State of Hawaiʻi & U.S. Department of Agriculture)
Agricultural theft and security expenses cost local farmers an estimated $14.4 million annually (USDA, 2020). These crimes not only result in financial loss but increase the risk of violent confrontations, especially where illegal hunting or firearms are involved.
🔎 What DLE Is Doing
The Department of Law Enforcement is committed to rural safety and will support the AG Crime initiative with:
Patrol officers in agricultural zones
Criminal investigators who can build and prosecute cases
Fusion Center analysts providing real-time crime data
Collaboration with federal, state, and local agencies
🧭 Strategic Plan
The AG Crime Task Force will:
Collect data and map agricultural crime trends
Host community meetings and coordinate with ranchers and farmers
Expand tip reporting through phone, app, and public outreach
“Agricultural crime isn’t just theft—it’s a threat to our food systems, local economy, and rural way of life. This tip line empowers residents to protect what matters most.”
— Mike Lambert, Director, Department of Law Enforcement
🧑🌾 Supporting Hawaiʻi’s Farmers and Ranchers
This program was developed in coordination with:
Hawaiʻi Department of Agriculture
Department of Law Enforcement
Office of the Governor
Farmers, ranchers, and neighborhood boards statewide
The DLE encourages all community members to see something, say something—securely and anonymously.
📲 HOW TO REPORT
Text or Call: 808-427-3323
Download the SaferWatch App:
Available on Apple App Store and Google Play
Use QR codes provided on posters and brochures.
Mahalo
Together, we can protect Hawaiʻi’s agriculture and keep our rural communities safe.