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Hiroshima cops: Man stole men’s shoes for ‘the smell’

Police seized approximately 80 pairs of shoes from the residence of the suspect
Police seized approximately 80 pairs of shoes from the residence of the suspect

HIROSHIMA (TR) – Hiroshima Prefectural Police have arrested a 25-year-old male company employee in the theft of dozens of pairs of men’s shoes in Hiroshima City, reports Nippon News Network (Jan. 29).

On two occasions in November and December of last year, Atsushi Kawazoe allegedly intruded into a residence of a 28-year-old man in Higashi Ward and stole two pairs of leather shoes.

Kawazoe, who has been charged with theft, admits to the allegations. “I like the smell of men’s leather goods,” the suspect is quoted by police, according to the Fuji News Network (Jan. 30). He added that he committed the crimes to satisfy his sexual desire.

A search of the residence of the suspect resulted in the discovery of roughly 80 pairs of black and brown men’s shoes. He told police that he targeted apartments in which the doors were not locked.

Police believe that Kawazoe may have participated in more than 10 similar crimes.