TOKYO (TR) – Tokyo Metropolitan Police have arrested two men who are suspected in a spate of thefts of water meters.
In security camera footage presented by TV Asahi (Mar. 16), two men appear in front of the elevator for a housing complex in Sumida Ward.
One man, wearing glasses, has what appears to be an identification card hanging from his chest. The other was wearing a mask. As they look around nervously, they enter the elevator carrying large bags.
Later, another security camera captures them descending a stairwell. The man with glasses again looks around nervously.
The masked man’s bag appears heavier than before. According to the Mukojima Police Station, that is because it contains a water meter.
Police said that Riki Suzuki, 60, and Nobuaki Kikuchi, 61, opened a utility box inside the complex, removed the water meter, stuffed it into a bag and fled on bicycles.
During questioning, Suzuki admitted to the charges. “I stole [water meters] multiple times on several days.” Meanwhile, Kikuchi stated, “I was just helping. I thought I was assisting in something dangerous.”
Police said that this apartment building has experienced series of water meter thefts. Police are investigating whether the two suspects may also be behind those crimes.
