A man from an office worker in Osaka was arrested and charged with repeatedly stealing a sports-type luxury bicycle that is gaining popularity for commuting.
It is believed that the stolen bicycle parts were replaced and customized, and then sold at a high price at an online auction.
The person who was arrested and charged was Isamu Kubo, a 49-year-old office worker in Kadoma City, Osaka, who stole a sports-type bicycle worth 70,000 yen at a bicycle parking lot in an apartment in Taisho Ward, Osaka last September. He has been accused of stealing five bicycles worth 800,000 yen in total.
According to police, some of the damaged bicycles were fixed with metal chains, but they were cut with a tool.
After exchanging and customizing the parts of the stolen bicycle, it seems that it was sold at a high price on the Internet auction site, and in response to the investigation, "I searched for a bicycle at the bicycle parking lot and repeatedly stole it. I added it to my living expenses." It means that it is stated.
In addition to Kubo's commuting route, about 20 sports-type luxury bicycles, totaling 1.5 million yen, have been stolen in the last few years, according to records from online auctions. , The police are investigating the connection.
Corona influence Bicycles are becoming more popular Many people say they have been stolen
Due to the influence of the new corona, the number of people who commute by bicycle to avoid public transportation is increasing, especially in urban areas, and the popularity of bicycles is increasing.
According to a company that operates bicycle specialty stores nationwide, sales for the year to the end of last month increased by more than 20% compared to the previous year, and among them, sports-type luxury bicycles such as "road bikes" and "cross bikes" are popular. Is increasing.
On the other hand, many customers have said that their bicycles have been stolen.
The company says that it is important to park your bicycle in the house as much as possible when you return home, and to use two or more sturdy keys that are hard to break if you park your bicycle for a long time when you go out.
It is also effective to set the stop location so that it can be seen on the security camera.
Kurimoto, deputy manager of Y's Road Osaka Main Building, said, "Since the bicycle theft rate is high, I would like you to take proper security measures and enjoy your bicycle life."