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A 21-year-old man who caught another man stealing money from his car chased the thief and clung to the hood of the thief’s car as he drove away in Takatsuki, Osaka Prefecture, early Monday morning.
According to police, the incident occurred at around 12:20 a.m. The 21-year-old man had been visiting his parents' house when he looked outside and saw a man opening the door of his car, Sankei Shimbun reported. When he went outside, the thief ran to a small black car parked nearby and started to drive away. The 21-year-old got onto the hood but jumped off after about 370 meters. He was not injured. His mother called 110 to report what was happening.
Police said the thief stole a wallet containing about 30,000 yen from the car, which was not locked. He was wearing a red parka and white face mask.
© Japan Today
20 Comments
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Chip Star
Lock your doors.
Jeff Huffman
Wouldn't it have been easier to take pictures of the license plate?
Yubaru
Heiwa boke! Far TOO many people here have drank the koolaid and believe that they are safe and immune to crime. It's "always" someone else until they get nailed.
The burned finger is still the best teacher, thankfully he wasnt hurt, kind of stupid in a way to put yourself in danger like that over that amount of money. Glad he woke up and got off!
Spidey
Wallet in an unlocked car is just asking for trouble. I learned that lesson 30 years ago. Hopefully he learned his.
S
Dukeleto
CCTV footage should reveal the car make model and registration. I would be expecting a follow report that they have the suspect in custody shortly.
Goodlucktoyou
I don’t believe in locks. If someone is so desperate to rob, and they need my money, I feel guilty because they are so desperate. I would never stoop so low. But no violence is involved so it is just a material object. But if you can’t live in a society we’re you have to lock and hide everything, you have to ask, is society at blam?
Disillusioned
Some people just ask to become victims of crime.
Hung Nguyen
I agree with most of readers in this forum that the car door should be locked. In case the car window was smashed, the car own can feel better, as he did not invite the burglar in the first place. In a higher level, valuables should be kept out of sight.
Ganbare Japan!
The thief should also be charged with attempted murder for driving with the hero on the hood. So lucky he did not die.
DaDude
Memorizing is better. Hard to whip out a phone then go to the camera function while chasing someone. License plates are easy to remember here, only 4 numbers and a hiragana character.
Kakukakushikajika
It was his car he probably knows the make/model and plate number...
kohakuebisu
I leave my car unlocked all the time, but try to not leave my wallet in it.
shogun36
Not surprised at all. How many times have I seen cars left running with no passengers in combini and supermarket parking lots, just waiting to be stolen. I'm actually surprised more things aren't stolen with such carelessness. I contemplated many times, just to get in one of those cars, just to move it to another place, just to teach these fools a lesson, and to see their reactions of course.
shogun36
I wouldn't bet on it. Do you know how many people I've asked "oh what kind of car do you drive?" and they can't answer? Sometimes, I BARELY get a correct color out of the person.
Moderator
Readers, the thief was not driving the victim's car.
Chico3
That might be possible, but everyone has their own internal instincts what to do in certain situations. At least the 21-year old acted to try getting his car back while trying to stop and get a good look at the guy. Regarding remembering plates, it could have been possible that the thief could have removed the plates a short distance away.
Goodlucktoyou
I have not much money, but I refuse to use locks. If somebody is so desperate, take something without damage or threat. Touch my family then the rain will come down.