In footage taken from a security camera on August 17, Tsunehito Isobe was seen stealing a pair of nurse shoes from a drug store in Niigata City’s Nishi Ward. Isobe was eventually apprehended by police on October 7.
During a search of the suspect’s home, investigators seized cardboard boxes containing approximately 244 pairs of footwear, including 200 nurse shoes and 44 high heels.
As of November 28, police had confirmed the owners of 13 pairs, valued at 9,300 yen.
Isobe, who has been charged with theft, has reportedly admitted to the allegations. “I did it to satisfy my sexual desire,” the suspect is quoted by police. “The smell is an important point.”
Of the items seized, approximately 50 percent were the result of purchases on the Internet, Isobe said, but the remainder had been stolen.
“When the smell disappears from the shoes over time, the value dies,” Isobe is quoted by police.
Between 2009 and the beginning of May, the suspect targeted five locations, including a nursing home, dental hospital and medical institution. The thefts took place while the staff members took breaks.
