Man arrested for stealing underwear from elementary school changing room in Shiga

Tuesday 10th February, 05:56 AM JST

SHIGA —

A 22-year-old man was re-arrested on Monday, accused of stealing underwear and other clothing from the girls’ changing room beside the pool at an elementary school in Maibara City last year.

Police said Takayuki Watanabe, a factory worker and resident of Nagahama City, is suspected of stealing 29 items of underwear and T-shirts from the elementary school changing room on June 26 last year.

Police arrested Watanabe in January for stealing women’s underwear from an apartment veranda, and when they searched his apartment, found about 300 items of underwear and other female attire. Watanabe told police he had also stolen other items from other schools and apartments.

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Latest 15 of 31 Total Comments Show All

likeitis at 05:12 PM JST - 10th February

There seems to be an epidemic of this kind of thing among Japanese males, no matter what their age. I wonder what is the cause of this Japanese social phenomenon?

I have little doubt that lax penalties play a role. But so long as the VIOLENCE stays at low levels, I really don't mind the slaps on the wrists or the prevalence of underwear theft. Getting all hard nosed about it could well mean them getting hard nosed in return. Some kids lost their undies. Lets mete out a little punishment and leave it at that shall we?

More than likely will be able to prevent a future rape and murder of an innocent child.

More like "less than likely". Not only are recidivist rates low, but rates for those who "graduate" are even lower.

I think your ways will actually work the opposite of what you intend. I look across the pond where people who think like you prevail. I am not surprised that Japan does not envy your "success" in this area.
Tahoochi at 07:19 PM JST - 10th February

If a woman stole my undies, I would take it as a compliment!
Tahoochi at 07:22 PM JST - 10th February

Let me add to that: Since this perp stole from an elementary school change room, I don't condone it, in fact, that's sick, and that's why this guy should be punished more than a slap on the wrist.
bcbrownboy at 08:13 PM JST - 10th February

Put him on the street, strip his underwear off, and let him go.
FishOutofWater at 10:55 PM JST - 10th February

lol ,this is why i love Japan.
yawmin at 02:52 AM JST - 11th February

re-arrested, nuff' said
kavikahi at 03:57 AM JST - 11th February

"elementary school"

???

Yikes, I'm outta here!!!
MeanRingo at 07:30 AM JST - 11th February

Likeitis... I respect most of your ideas on crime and whatnot, but how many cases of undie stealing do you hear about outside of Japan? More specifically, in the west? Is it safe to say that viewing this kind of thing as a "dirty" and perverted crime instead of treating it as something of a very odd joke has created less of a criminal market? This requires more than the typical response of getting a suspended sentence and a fine.

On another note, someone should start a website tracking these guys. Or, is that what JT is here for?
likeitis at 10:24 AM JST - 11th February

I respect most of your ideas on crime and whatnot, but how many cases of undie stealing do you hear about outside of Japan?

Not many. Because the other criminals have graduated if you ask me. If only they could have stayed in the lower leagues, and been satisfied with just underwear!

Is it safe to say that viewing this kind of thing as a "dirty" and perverted crime instead of treating it as something of a very odd joke has created less of a criminal market?

Not for this specific crime, no. But its far worse crime that I am worried about.

This requires more than the typical response of getting a suspended sentence and a fine.

That might stop his underwear stealing. And it will send a tough message to others. But as the punishments approach becoming the same for worse crime, don"t you think some will go with the worse crime?

We will never eliminate crime. But we may be able to choose what crime we suffer.
VA2Tokyo at 12:22 PM JST - 11th February

What a pervert!!
Yelena at 06:11 PM JST - 11th February

When I was in Tokyo I had heard of it very frequent. Some of my friends became victims of the theft. It is a kind of national desease, I wonder?
zaichik at 04:54 AM JST - 12th February

how many cases of undie stealing do you hear about outside of Japan? More specifically, in the west?

I've heard about it in the UK - the difference is that it wouldn't make the national news because there are more serious crimes to be reported.
JapanHusker at 10:48 AM JST - 12th February

likeitis at 05:12 PM JST - 10th February

More than likely will be able to prevent a future rape and murder of an innocent child. More like "less than likely". Not only are recidivist rates low, but rates for those who "graduate" are even lower. I think your ways will actually work the opposite of what you intend. I look across the pond where people who think like you prevail. I am not surprised that Japan does not envy your "success" in this area.

What the hell are you blathering about? You are becoming so convoluted in your defense of criminals, your posts are mere babble.
Psych at 12:01 PM JST - 12th February

"stealing socks and/or panties" are some of the tendencies of potential rapists. All they can get this guy on is theft when in fact, profilers can clearly see this trend as a potential rapist but cannot do anything about it until it happens.
saborichan at 03:54 PM JST - 12th February

Basically, there isn't any reasonable justification for wanting someone else's drawers.