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Man Flees With ¥46 Million Watch From Nakano Broadway Store

The brazen shoplifting highlights a pattern of high-value watch robberies at Nakano Broadway, prompting calls for stronger security.

Overview

  • The theft took place on Oct. 29 when a man posing as a customer tried on a luxury watch for about eight minutes and ran off with it at around 7:55 p.m.
  • Police say the suspect wore dark clothing, a cap and runners, was last seen leaving the third floor and remains at large as investigators hunt for him.
  • An August robbery at the same complex saw four luxury watches worth about ¥200 million taken and led to the arrest and indictment of two Chilean men, but authorities have not confirmed a link to the Oct. 29 case.
  • Two shop assistants were on site during the Oct. 29 theft and were not injured, and local staff have said they feel shaken and want better protections in stores.
  • The Nakano Police are investigating and the incident could push retailers to tighten in-store handling and security of high-value watches while police increase patrols and checks.