TOKYO (TR) – Police across the nation are investigating a string of brazen burglaries targeting convenience stores that close overnight, with thieves making off with heavy safes and security cameras, reports TBS News (June 10).
According to investigative sources, the nationwide crime spree escalated during the Golden Week holidays in early May. The perpetrators specifically prey on convenience stores that do not operate 24 hours a day, striking after the shops have locked up for the night.
In Hiroshima City alone, at least three stores have been hit. Under the cover of darkness, the suspects bypassed standard security by breaking in through back doors or high windows. At one location, the intruders used a crowbar-like tool to violently pry open the back office door. They subsequently fled with a safe containing several days’ worth of cash sales, as well as the store’s security cameras to cover their tracks.
The safe-snatching spree is not limited to the Chugoku region. Authorities have confirmed a series of similar break-ins occurring one after another in Nagano and Gifu prefectures.
Police are currently investigating the details of the incidents as a coordinated series of thefts and are urgently calling on franchise owners and operators of non-24-hour stores to heighten their security measures.
