Crime Tokyo Police warns of pickpockets during NY holidays

[thomas]

Tokyo Metropolitan Police are urging caution amid a rise in pickpocketing in the Japanese capital ahead of the year-end and New Year holidays when more people go out. As of the end of November this year, pickpocketing reports in Tokyo totalled 450, up 80% from last year's period. This is believed to be related to the economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

Tokyo's Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) announced on 21 December the arrest of a 72-year-old woman living in Tokyo's Adachi Ward on suspicion of stealing another woman's wallet at the Tobu Department Store in the Ikebukuro shopping district. The suspect is accused of lifting the wallet, containing 50,000 JPY (about USD 350) in cash and other items from the bag of the 76-year-old victim, who was shopping in the store's clothing section on 20 December. She has reportedly admitted to the allegations. According to the MPD's third investigation division, the suspect covered the victim's bag with clothes on sale before pulling out the wallet. An officer on patrol spotted this and arrested her on the spot.

It's heartbreaking when old ladies have to steal from each other.

Caution urged for year-end, New Year holidays as pickpocket reports rise in Tokyo - The Mainichi

TOKYO -- Police here are urging caution amid a rise in pickpocketing in the Japanese capital ahead of the year-end and New Year holidays, when more pe

mainichi.jp