Two Men Rob Watch Shop in Tokyo, Steal Goods Worth 200 Million Yen
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Two men broke into a watch shop located inside Nakano Broadway, a well-known shopping complex in Tokyo's Nakano Ward, and are believed to have stolen items worth approximately 200 million yen before fleeing the scene.
According to reports, the suspects used a hammer to smash open a glass display case containing watches inside the store. They then reportedly grabbed several items before escaping.
The exact number and type of watches taken have not been officially confirmed, but the estimated value of the stolen goods suggests the items may have included high-end or luxury timepieces.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department has launched an investigation into the robbery and is currently searching for the two men, who remain at large. No arrests have been made at this time.
Nakano Broadway is a multi-story shopping building known for its dense collection of specialty shops, including those selling watches, anime merchandise, and collectible items. It attracts both local shoppers and tourists.
Because such incidents are uncommon in the area, the robbery has drawn attention from local media and residents. Police are reviewing security footage from the building and speaking with witnesses who were nearby at the time of the incident.
Authorities have not yet disclosed how the men entered or left the building, nor have they released a detailed description of the suspects. The investigation is ongoing, and police are appealing to the public for any information that could help identify the men.
This case highlights growing concerns about high-value retail robberies in commercial areas, where valuable goods such as watches and jewelry can attract targeted crime despite security measures.
Vocabulary7 words
- hammer
- a tool used to break or hit things hard
- display case
- a glass box used to show valuable items
- Metropolitan Police Department
- the main police organization for Tokyo
- investigation
- official work to find out what happened
- at large
- not yet caught by the police
- security footage
- video recorded by security cameras
- high-end
- very expensive and of top quality
Quiz
Answer key
1. A watch shop in Nakano Broadway 2. They smashed a display case with a hammer 3. False
Discussion questions
- Why do you think high-value shops like watch stores are sometimes targeted by thieves?
- What security measures do you think shops could use to prevent this kind of robbery?
- How might an incident like this affect people's sense of safety in a shopping area?
- Do you think police will likely catch the suspects? Why or why not?