Big Island police are reporting a rise in thefts of solar panels and other solar heating equipment, especially in the Hawaiian Ocean View Estates subdivision in Ka'u.

Several of the thefts have occurred while residents were on vacation or away from home for an extended period of time.

Police are urging homeowners to get a housesitter or to ask neighbors or friends to watch their homes while they are out of town. All residents should keep a record of their valuables, including serial and model numbers, receipts and photographs.

The public is asked to report anyone selling solar panels and other items of value at suspiciously low prices by calling the police department's nonemergency line at 935-3311. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers at 961-8300 in Hilo or 329-8181 in Kona.