Police report tow truck scam

Police are warning the public about a possible towing scam.

A 76-year-old Hilo man told police that when he returned to his 2001 Toyota 4Runner that was parked at Liliuokalani Gardens in Hilo on Friday morning, he found a strip of paper on his windshield warning him that his vehicle registration had expired, that he was not to move the vehicle and that a tow truck had been called. The owner then discovered that his vehicle registration sticker was missing. As he drove away, he saw a tow truck nearby.

Police advise the public that when an officer requests a tow truck, the officer stays with the vehicle until the tow truck arrives. Anyone who sees suspicious activity around parked vehicles to call the police non-emergency line at 935-3311. Those who prefer anonymity may call Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300.