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Posted: Wednesday, September 12th, 2012 8:56 AM HST

Police believe ice addicts behind Kona crime wave

By Ken Hupp - 67AM KPUA News

Police say they suspect a group of alleged crystal methamphetamine addicts is responsible for a recent wave of burglaries and auto thefts in the Kona area. The July to August period saw burglaries jump from 21 to 43 in North Kona and from 6 to 15 in South Kona, while auto thefts in the region rose from 27 to 46. Some 400 people showed up at a community meeting last night at Konawaena High School where police discussed the efforts of their task force formed to nab a group of 10 individuals they believe have teamed up to form a burglary ring. Police have arrested Joseph Narzisi, Joshua Watan and Ryan Hamar. The others are still on the loose. Captain Chad Basque says most of the crimes occur during the day when people are at work and indicated the suspects may be monitoring social media accounts to find out when people are away from home.