crime

Man arrested for buying cup meant for ¥100 coffee but pouring ¥200 latte into it

70 Comments

Police in Kumamoto city have arrested a 60-year-old man on suspicion of theft after he paid for a regular size 100-yen cup at a convenience store and then used the self-serve coffee machine to help himself to a large size cafe latte which costs 200 yen.

At convenience stores, customers buy a beverage by bringing the provided empty cup to the cash register, paying for it, and then going to the coffee machine and pressing the button for the allocated brew.

Police said that at around 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Mahiro Shibayama entered the convenience store and paid for the regular-size cup, Sankei Shimbun reported. He then went to the machine and poured a large-size latte, filling his cup to the brim.

He was caught by a police officer after the store notified police on Wednesday that the same man had been in many times in the morning recently and that they suspected he was misusing the coffee machine.

According to police, Shibayama has admitted to the charge and quoted him as saying he had done the same thing at least 20 times over several months.

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70 Comments
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such a serious crime must be investigated thoroughly and collect a large amount of intel then hire undercover police man to arrest him red-handed. now the world is safe from a coffee thief that over several months was able to steal about 2000yen worth of coffee!

other crimes not worthy of such efforts?

39 ( +43 / -4 )

Oh dear, he just wanted something nice to drink on a cold day. I would pay the convenience store back myself and fund his lattes.

2 ( +10 / -8 )

Seriously 100yen ?

7 ( +14 / -7 )

went to the well a little too often

20 ( +21 / -1 )

As long as this is reported as a serious crime, I feel very very safe in Japan!

10 ( +17 / -7 )

A serial coffee ripper! Of course it’s worthy of arrest!

11 ( +13 / -2 )

I think calling the police for this was an overreaction.

13 ( +19 / -6 )

There were some very similar cases months ago, also widely brought on TV and other media, so he should have known better.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

This happens more than you think, but it's usually the cashier's fault.

People will make the order and the cashier gives the wrong cup.

Sometimes the customer will say something and make the change, no problem.

But other times, its hectic, people are in a rush and the difference in sizes are unnoticeable. So people fill up with a large, not knowing the cup is a small.

But, by the time the coffee is poured, it's too late to say anything.

At 7-11 they should really change the look of each size. To make it more distinguishable.

Oh, FYI. The "large" amount of cafe latte just barely fits the size of a "small" cup. If you don't put the cover on that is. With the cover it over flows.

9 ( +12 / -3 )

Is there a case where the police just gives you a fine for something as small as this or you always get arrested?

11 ( +11 / -0 )

A crime is a crime (in Japan). Malicious.

 I actually always wondered what would it be if I push the wrong button. Certainly nothing. It is so easy to do.

The guy was suspected as he came too often to this store, and certainly had a strange behavior.

 He was caught by a police officer

 I hope the police officer was a newbie. Good for his education to start with such a dangerous case.

5 ( +9 / -4 )

I'm surprised no one is suggesting or indicating this will be "just a slap on the wrist."

8 ( +9 / -1 )

Who the hell cares. Give him a break, why degrade him to the point of no return. No wonder suicide is so high in this country.

13 ( +17 / -4 )

This type of crime has got to stop. Those over 60 are getting out of control during this pandemic. Maybe he "forgot to take his meds" or was just acting like politicians "on the take" . Well that will need to stop . No?

5 ( +8 / -3 )

Wait until you found out how many batteries the old folk are stealing.

5 ( +8 / -3 )

Funny, I remember agreeing to pay 7billion yen for the Olympics, and now we've been given a bill for more than ten times that amount.

Almost like the bigger the theft, the smaller the penalty.

22 ( +23 / -1 )

People always confess to crimes in Japan, ever wondered why?

9 ( +9 / -0 )

The problem I have with this is why on Earth is it being reported? Who cares?

17 ( +18 / -1 )

This is exactly why don't use the self service aisle at the supermarket: If the cashier makes a mistake, I get it for free. If I make a mistake, I am a criminal. He paid for a 100 yen cup and used a 100 yen cup. I'm sure there's still enough profit in a 100 yen latte.

11 ( +12 / -1 )

7 ELEVEN offers a Guatemala blend that costs 20 yen more but it has a separate machine.

You can easily press the wrong button for L instead of M at Family Mart

8 ( +9 / -1 )

Why couldn't the 7/11 manager just catch him in the act and kick him out of the store? How much is it going to cost society to prosecute this oyaji? I'd rather see the police go after those annoying bosozoku boys that seem to think we don't need any sleep.

11 ( +12 / -1 )

Unbelievable! What an absolute waste of police resources!

Manager should have told him to pay the difference and ban him from the store..

9 ( +11 / -2 )

Is there a case where the police just gives you a fine for something as small as this or you always get arrested?

I don't know, the Japanese legal system seems to be a very strange thing.

For example any traffic violation is actually a crime but they suspend filling charges if the fine is paid but if you choose to contest the ticket then you risk having a criminal record if you loose in court.

Most countries if you contest and loose the most you can get is a larger fine and court costs.

Oh if a foreign gets a ticket pay it as contesting it and losing could mean losing your visa or permissions to remain in Japan.

7 ( +8 / -1 )

Man arrested for buying cup meant for ¥100 coffee but pouring ¥200 latte into it

The headline sounds ridiculous, further down in the article it says he had done this several times before.

If this was regular occurance at the store, I can see why the called the police. So the story is not as outlandish as the headline suggests.

1 ( +8 / -7 )

I think calling the police for this was an overreaction.

I wonder if just reminding the "criminal" that they are aware of his actions would be enough for him to stop doing that.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

If this was regular occurance at the store, I can see why the called the police

In most places if this happens and for such a small amount, they tell the person not to return to the store ever again, end of story.

8 ( +10 / -2 )

I would have filled the "S" cup to the top too - isn't that logical?

7 ( +7 / -0 )

Slow day in the news huh?

7 ( +7 / -0 )

I would have filled the "S" cup to the top too - isn't that logical?

Obviously you do not understand how it works.

This is not a soda machine.

The bottoms are clearly marked S ~ L coffee and Latte.

Buy buying a S cup you must press the S bottom, pressing the L bottom is theft.

If that was not clear before I hope it is now.

-10 ( +1 / -11 )

Bad behavior, from an elder. Other than that, so what? Individuals are arrested for all manner and degree of theft.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

What if one pays for a latte and inadvertently just gets black coffee? Is that a crime, too?

7 ( +8 / -1 )

Man arrested for buying cup meant for ¥100 coffee but pouring ¥200 latte into it

What a small-time crime! Good thing police have arrested the criminal anyway.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

How hard would it be to change the system to getting the coffee first, then paying for it. I mean you don't go to the counter and say I want to buy a beer and then saunter back to the fridge to pick one out.

8 ( +8 / -0 )

Once I paid for a regular size coffee at seven eleven and accidentally pressed the large button on the coffee machine. It filled up to the brim but did not overflow. Should I turn myself in it live with the guilt?

8 ( +8 / -0 )

Surprised anyone feels strong enough about his repeated actions to call the cops on him.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

The crime of the century.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Needs a flow sensor so only the right amount is dispensed based on the barcode of the cup. Then a time delay or warning after

5 ( +5 / -0 )

The coffee machine in a Family Mart I sometimes visit has had a recent makeover. The buttons now have English and Japanese...... so there goes my "case for the defense".

10 ( +10 / -0 )

Such serious crime

1 ( +1 / -0 )

This seems absurd. It reminds me of the store I worked at here in Columbus OH. We observed a big biker-type pocketing a small, 99 cent bottle of perfume on our cameras and stopped him at the door. We obviously wasn't going to have him arrested (I mean, please...it's 99 cents) and was just going to give him a warning.

This big biker-type started blubbering about how he didn't want to go to jail, actually CRYING about it! Like I said, we just gave him a warning and sent him on his way.

If the people in this store observed this 60-year old guy stealing 100 yen worth of coffee, then why not go up to him and give him a warning? It seems like far more trouble than it was worth to have the poor schlub arrested!

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Surprised anyone feels strong enough about his repeated actions to call the cops on him.

Indeed. Why not just kick him out of the store and tell him not to come back

2 ( +2 / -0 )

TokyoJoe

Once I paid for a regular size coffee at seven eleven and accidentally pressed the large button on the coffee machine. It filled up to the brim but did not overflow. Should I turn myself in it live with the guilt?

Nobody would care if it happened once. However, if you went to the same shop regularly and did the same thing, I expect you would eventually get a reaction. In your country too, wherever that is.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

In the US, i see bums walk into a store with a cup from who knows where, fill it up, and walk out. Then his wing man will come in and do the same thing. After they have their fill for their huge container they are off. At least that guy paid something.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

I just want to say thank you to those dedicated convenience store clerks. The entire world just dodged a bullet on this one. Those convenient store clerks saved us all from the evil and malevolent coffee thief. Can you imagine how much danger we'd all be in if he was just running around stealing every one's coffee right now????

I for one think this was a valuable investment in Japanese tax dollars and it guarantees us all a much safer future. Now the world is finally at peace.
5 ( +6 / -1 )

The newer machines in 7-11 can actually “read” the cup... so this cannot happen.

There a reason I prefer Family mart! :)

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Who the hell cares. Give him a break, why degrade him to the point of no return. No wonder suicide is so high in this country.

He degraded himself by doing it.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

This is Democracy Manifest! What is the charge? Drinking a coffee? A succulent morning coffee?

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

TokyoJoeJan. 22  09:30 pm JST

Should I turn myself in it live with the guilt?

Or, you can just walk back to the counter, tell him what happened and offer him 100 yen to show your bona fides. He likely would tell you to skip it, and then you can walk free without guilt.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Slow news day, eh guys?

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Oh, instant conviction for the arresting officer. I can smell promotion. Someone is very proud for a job well done!!!

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Theft is theft. He didn't just push the wrong button. He purposely pressed the wrong button after paying for a different product. Enough times to raise a few eyebrows. The cops did their job after being notified by the public.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Give me the address of the shop & I'll post them some cash for this hideous crime. I'll cover the losses and give him 12 months supply.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

If this is so bad that it makes national news it sounds like the police are fearful of job losses

3 ( +3 / -0 )

This minor "crime" should have ended with the store clerk having a talk with the old man or just refusing to service him. They knew what he had done before, and yet continued to sell him the 100JPY cup. How hard could it had been if they said "Look Mr, we know what you're doing and you can't continue. If you want to pour L size, please buy the 200JPY cup. Thanks"

5 ( +5 / -0 )

In most places if this happens and for such a small amount, they tell the person not to return to the store ever again, end of story.

And then this crazed criminal would just go and carry out his evil crime in other unsuspecting suspects. Look where turning a blind eye to criminals got the Catholic church.

He had to be stopped for the good of society; for the sake of humanity!

0 ( +1 / -1 )

The crime here should be with the Store... not with the person who abused the system.

You pay for the plastic cup, how you use that plastic cup is clearly uncontrolled and open to abuse. Perhaps if the stores invested in coin machines that only dispensed what you pay for, then this situation would not have happened.... but that would cost them money.

I bet School kids have already massively abused this already. Just like the self-checkouts... clearly stores there, are attempting to automate jobs out of existence... but theres a trust/common-mistake issue in play here... which places even the honest person into risk.

It would be much better, to employ someone - perhaps a retiree or two, to simply look after the filling of cups based upon what the person has purchased. That would be far better for all, than the current system. So, in this case, I hope the old chap, just gets off with a warning, and that the Store (chain) receives a operations improvement warning.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

The staff aren't paid or trained to deal with the ensuing confrontation.

While something like this is a total pissant move, in Japan the procedure has been followed correctly. Let the police deal with this entitled fool.

Once is an innocent mistake, this guy is a serial thief and needs to be dealt with appropriately. Idioms to quote here "a stitch on time saves none" and "the thin edge of the wedge" and "the behaviour you walk past is what you choose to accept".

Theft is theft and because small matters like this are treated seriously, Japan as a whole is relatively crime free.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Saves nine... Darn autocorrect....

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I was an assistant store manager at the Starbucks in the Rocafella center in NY. We had a policy "Bring your coffee cup back from this morning for a 50 cent refill" There was a bank manager for Mizuho bank in the building who would come and steal 3-5 venti cups and just leave, then when the shift has changed from morning to afternoon, he'd come for his "refill". This dude had money, but would steal to try to save some money. He never even tipped my employees. We had an undercover officer come wait around the time he always comes. Last thing I heard him shout was "I'm getting arrested for borrowing a cup?" We had changed the policy to bring your reciept, but he also used to give some excuse as to not having it.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Let me refresh your memory.. Kelly Luce.

https://nymag.com/vindicated/2016/11/truth-lies-and-videotape-at-the-kawasaki-kmart.html

KniknaknokkaerToday 03:40 pm JST

Can't the store just check the camera and have a word with him? It's a pretty trivial theft.

Normally they could, but Japanese like escalated situations (not saying they like to escalate). Especially if it's someone in charge of something. That's what I have noticed in my 30+ years living in Japan.

One would wonder, why even bother going down that road for 100 yen. Because this got everyone involved, costing way more than just 100 yen. And the tax payers are more than happy to pay it, especially if it can be shown in TV with passing by car camera shots.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

For me putting anything other than ice in black coffee should be deemed a crime itself lol...

however, I believe the clerk should have warned the man before calling the cops on him...

On the other hand, I have heard and read of cops here ignoring more serious crime suspects such as a murderou stalker ex-boyfriend chasing his ex-girlfriend around to kill her or blatantly obvious underwear snatchers...how comes they can't ignore a suspected coffee thief?! Priorities...

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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