Police in Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture, have arrested a 30-year-old man on suspicion of shoplifting 10 items, including sweets and groceries, from a convenience store.
According to the warrant, the man, who claims to be self-employed, allegedly stole the items at around 11:15 a.m. on April 3, local media reported. Staff at the store filed a police report on the same day, leading officers to investigate the incident using security camera footage.
The suspect visited the convenience store again on Monday and was recognized by an employee who called the police. The man was arrested at the store.
Police quoted him as saying he shoplifted the items because he didn’t have enough money to buy something to eat.
© Japan Today
20 Comments
Login to comment
Spidey
At least he was smart enough not to use a weapon. But unfortunately he was not smart enough to know not to return to the scene of the crime.
S
dagon
Another example of the virtuous cycles of New Capitalism!!
browny1
Now that that crime has been solved, it should free up time and resources to investigate and arrest persons involved in the decades long ￥Billion+ slush money/kickback scandals.
Thank god they got this guy.
virusrex
It may be (depending on his circumstances) but it can also be just the consequence of bad decisions from his part, looking at how he was recognized by going back to the store it seems he is not very good at deciding the best course of action.
tokyo_joe
Geez, must be a slow news day.
WA4TKG
I know someone who’s son did this sort of thing repeatedly, stealing things of very little value, all the while actually having the money to pay.
Some people have a mental condition. It’s not always about money and a thrill.
METATTOKYO
It could be a combination of things such as boredom, frustration and ADHD.
I have ADHD and shoplifted for the dopamine rush in my youth along with other risky behaviours (i.e drugs, speedway).
I was arrested once on Oxford Street London in 1997 and never did it again so maybe this guy has learned his lesson too.
Forst
The fact that such arrests make it regulary to the news is a news in itself. Fascinating and almost heart-warming.
garypen
Except the perpetrator has confessed, and stated "he didn’t have enough money to buy something to eat." Add to it that he was "self-employed", and it appears to be an economic issue, not a mental/emotional disorder.
METATTOKYO
Oh, okay, Sure, because a criminal's word should be accepted without question.
I forgot criminals are known for their impeccable frankness and honesty.
WA4TKG
The “criminal” in my friends case is in prison, doing time for stealing things such as a comic book, or a bento….but you obviously know better
kurisupisu
Stealing food should not be an arrestable offence, if the first infringement.
People need help, not cops looking for a conviction.
ClippetyClop
Cool, we all get one free steal. I'm gonna pinch some Beluga, make it count.
kaimycahl
@Spidey
That goes on to prove that the guy was not a habitual criminal but perhaps some one hungry!!
At least he was smart enough not to use a weapon. But unfortunately he was not smart enough to know not to return to the scene of the crime.
Quo Primum
Glad to see the crackerjack reporters at JT are keeping the public informed on dastardly major crimes like this.
TokyoLiving
Get a job, man...
vallum
Maybe he actually wanted to be jailed?
He'll get food, a place to sleep, a routine...
For some people, this is better than living without knowing how the next day gonna be.
Sanjinosebleed
the Mrs was saying they recently arrested a 74 year old woman for allegedly stealing some inarizushi and held her I. Detention for 3 days until they found out she hadn’t stolen anything…
how messed up is the Japanese system when corrupt politicians aren’t even questioned most of the time but innocent people or people forced to steal food to survive are treated like murderers?! Shameful hypocrisy!
CarlosTakanakana
This is so sad, feel sorry for the guy.
Hien Ha Nguyen
The news article highlights a society that is highly organized and law-abiding, where even minor thefts make headlines. There seems to be a dearth of newsworthy information pertaining to serious crimes. I, being a foreigner, have always admired the Japanese society.