Suspect Arrested in High-Value Watch Theft
Tokyo police have arrested a 30-year-old man in connection with the theft of a luxury wristwatch worth approximately ¥46 million from a shop at Nakano Broadway, a popular shopping complex in Tokyo’s Nakano Ward.
Asahi Travel Service Pvt Ltd
The suspect was arrested in Nagoya on November 11, following an investigation into the incident. The stolen watch, which was later returned to the shop through a delivery service along with a handwritten apology note, is an Audemars Piguet timepiece.
According to investigators, the suspect has largely admitted to the allegations.
How the Luxury Watch Was Stolen
The incident took place on October 29 at a watch shop on the third floor of Nakano Broadway.
Police say the man entered the store and asked to try on the expensive wristwatch. After putting it on, he allegedly ran out of the shop without returning it.
The theft reportedly occurred between 7:45 PM and 7:55 PM. Investigators later traced the suspect to Nagoya, where he was taken into custody.
According to his statement to police, he looked at himself wearing the watch in a mirror, liked how it looked and left the store without thinking.
Stolen Watch Returned With an Apology Note
In an unusual development, the shop received a delivery package on November 1, just three days after the theft.
Inside was the missing Audemars Piguet watch, accompanied by a handwritten note expressing an apology. Store employees checked the serial number and confirmed that it was the same watch that had been stolen.
The suspect reportedly told investigators that he had kept the watch for some time but later realised it did not belong to him and decided to return it. He also admitted to sending the package himself.
Investigation Reveals Use of a False Name
Further reports indicate that the suspect used false sender details when returning the watch. According to Japanese media reports on November 13, he allegedly used the name “John Smith” and an address he had searched for at the time of sending the package.
Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the theft and the suspect’s actions after leaving Tokyo.
Final Word
The unusual case at Nakano Broadway has drawn attention because the stolen luxury watch was returned with an apology note just days after the theft. Although the item was recovered, the incident highlights the security challenges faced by shops dealing in high-value luxury goods in Japan.
