crime

Bag-snatching suspect arrested after pursuer takes photo of his bike license plate

17 Comments

Police in Osaka said Monday they have arrested a 45-year-old office worker on suspicion of snatching a woman’s handbag as she walked along a street.

According to police, the suspect, identified as Taro Muramoto, approached the 64-year-old-woman on his minibike as she was walking with her husband in Chuo Ward at around 1:55 p.m. Sunday, Fuji TV reported.

After the suspect grabbed the woman's handbag, the couple yelled out at him. A man on a bicycle chased after the minibike, but before it could speed away, he used his smartphone to take a photo of the minibike's license plate.

Police said they identified Muramoto from the license plate. Muramoto has denied the charge, police said.

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17 Comments
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@Fadamor"if they find the clothes in this guy's home"

Indeed. I suppose, they will get CCTV info of the route between point of bag snatching and the house of bike owner.

WilliB "Sounds like quite the circus act". So true but the cyclist is a very skilled person. Much better than crowd looking into their smartphones like in magic looking-glasses.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Sounds like quite the circus act, taking photos on his smartphone while racing a scooter! Anyway, good thinking.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

What can he tell to police in attempt of self-justification, another person drove his bike, eh?

Possibly. Depending on how clear the photo is, they will have the clothing the perp wore as well. If they find the clothes in this guy's home... it will be a bit harder to deny.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Now that's what I call having a good eye and using your head!

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Now wait for the police to do the cyclist for using his mobile whilst cycling.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

"Muramoto has denied the charge, police said"

What can he tell to police in attempt of self-justification, another person drove his bike, eh? Anyway, cyclist is a rare person who uses his smartphone properly.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

bag snatching in Japan???really??

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

ohhh smart

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@ pointofview

Although it sounds pretty slam dunk to me, I concede there is a small possibility. However, nobody said he's guilty, they're merely reporting that he was arrested as a suspect.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Not the smart thing to do landing in a cell.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

How is taking a pic of a license plate automatically make a person guilty? How far/long did he chase the guy? Definitely the same bike? Same guy? Need to be sure about these things before you print names.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

This what some of those store workers should do when someone steals from their shop. Just get the license number instead of hanging on to the car and getting dragged.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

What a shame no one was there or could stiff arm the mongrel!

1 ( +3 / -2 )

"Muramoto has denied the charge, police said."

Well looks like this 45-year-old office worker thieving thug, and soon to be unwaged, has thrown his life away. Once again technology has saved the day.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

Phone wasn't smart, the man using it was.

10 ( +10 / -0 )

Well done to the cyclist.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

Job well done by the man on bicycle , smart action.

9 ( +9 / -0 )

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