KANAGAWA (TR) – Kanagawa Prefectural Police have issued a warning following a sharp, unexplained spike in indecent assault cases during the first four months of the year, reports TV Asahi (May 22).
Between January and April, 120 cases of indecent assault were reported across the prefecture. According to provisional police data, this represents a roughly 30 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
While investigators say the cause of the sudden surge remains unknown, the data reveals that teens and people in their 20s are the primary targets. The attacks are occurring around the clock — both day and night — with Mondays proving to be the most dangerous day of the week, accounting for 19 percent of all incidents.
In response to the rising crime rate, police are urging young residents to heighten their situational awareness. Authorities advised the public to stop looking at smartphones or wearing earphones while walking. They also warned residents to thoroughly check their surroundings for suspicious individuals before unlocking the doors to their homes or apartment building entrances.
The situation is expected to worsen as the weather warms.
“We are concerned that the numbers will increase even further through June and July,” an investigative official said. “These crimes typically trend upward heading into the summer, so we want the public to be even more careful.”
