KANAGAWA (TR) – Kanagawa Prefectural Police have arrested a 40-year-old construction worker suspected of carrying out a string of roughly 60 burglaries targeting vacant homes, with total losses exceeding 12 million yen, reports TBS News (Sep. 30).
Junpei Take, of no fixed address, was arrested on suspicion of theft and trespassing. Last month, he allegedly broke into an unoccupied residence in Sagamihara City and stole a security camera.
Security footage captured prior to the theft shows a man prowling through the pitch-black house, relying only on the light from his smartphone to navigate. Upon noticing the security camera, the suspect is seen manually turning the lens away to avoid showing his face.
Investigators believe Take has been repeatedly targeting vacant properties across the prefecture since last year, making off with cash and precious metals. Police estimate he is responsible for approximately 60 similar break-ins, resulting in over 12 million yen in damages.
During police questioning, Take remained silent. Authorities are continuing their investigation into his connection to the remaining unsolved cases.
