NPA instructs Sukiya to tighten security measures after spate of robberies
TOKYO —
The National Police Agency has instructed gyudon beef bowl chain Sukiya to improve its security measures following a spate of robberies.
According to the NPA, there were 63 cases of robbery or attempted robbery involving Sukiya restaurants from January to September, which netted the thieves more than 6 million yen. In comparison, the NPA said there were six robberies at Yoshinoya, the Nikkei newspaper reported.
There are 1,699 Sukiya outlets nationwide, operated by Zensho Co.
In its report, the NPA said Sukiya is targeted by thieves because the restaurants usually only have one worker on duty at night and the cash register is kept near the entrance at most of its stores. It urged Zensho to install security cameras and not keep so much cash on the premises, the Nikkei reported.
Other gyudon companies, such as Matsuya, have started using ticket-vending machines instead of cash registers.
Meanwhile, the Yomiuri newspaper reported that comments describing Sukiya as an easy target because of its lax security have been circulating on the Internet and mobile phone sites.
A Sukiya spokeperson said Sunday that the company is considering adding more staff to the night shifts.
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18 Comments
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-6
some14some
Change of name may be one of the options ... "Sukiya" seems popular with robbers.
3
Christina O'Neill
Lack of security is an open invitation to thieves and a danger to lone staff on duty. Police advised Sukiya to upgrade ,so if they are responsible employers they should heed the advice
0
It"S ME
Agree Sukiya leaves themselves wide open.
My local ones(all sit-down/pay on exit) have multiple registers and usually only 2-3 people on staff at any time. But due to the tables they do attract couples and larger groups as they also got 2 floors. If I recall they do have some cameras installed.
Maybe Japan should adopt a law similar to back home, where it is illegal to only have 1 staff on the premises during the night-shift(mostly due to possible injuries, or other accidents that can happen).
2
CrazyJoe
Just use "ticket-vending machines instead of cash registers" like Matsuya. Although having 2 on duty will not prevent a robbery, it's much better than just having just one.
-3
steve@CPFC
I have seen these places sometimes whilst out but never eaten there. How does it compare to say Burger King or usto for instance? If they are penny pinching on security are they also doing so with their food?
-1
kurisupisu
I have never seen a J-cop walking the beat at night.
I have seen them lying in wait for drunken drivers at 2am though ...........that is what they do best
0
WilliB
Gee, I eat at the place regularly. Never thought of them as a target for robberies.
2
whiskeysour
everything is a potential place for robberies
1
sakurala
It seems odd that the chain has done nothing to prevent further robberies from happening and taking such a ho-hum approach. Most businesses would be a bit quicker to change when their profits are being eaten away....perhaps the missing money is actually still in the hands of the company. Perhaps the executives are robbing the stores for pocket money because of penny pinching wives (^.^;
-1
Limbas
Leaving more staff at night doesn't solve the problem. Aside from using a vending machine, how about more police force around to get our taxes worth paying..
-2
JapanGal
Their food is so bad, that they are being targeted to make them go out of business.
They should use those automatic registers that store the money inside locked up.
-1
WilliB
JapanGal:
No. Compared to US-style junk food, it is like a fountain of health. Grant you, it is not a gourmet dinner, but you get rice, meat, eggs, salad, kimchi etc. all in a form that is recognizable as food.
-1
It"S ME
Sukiya is decent for what they are and the prices they charge. And like Matsuya offer sets of soup, etc.
Not really Gourmet/Fami-res food but some of their offerings are rather tasty and great when you need a quick meal or a boost that won't ruin your wallet.
Now a Meat-bowl there for 280yen or a Mac Burger and fries for same ....... you decide.
1
Notthesame
What you have to consider is that if they increase the numbers of staff on the job at any time and rearrange the stores etc for purposes of security, it may well cut into profits more than the spate of robberies. They explains why they sit on their hands. They are hoping the cops will catch the crooks and they can go on with business as usual.
0
Bogi
I saw a customer walk out of one the other night without paying. It was about 12:00am and when he was ready to pay there were no staff around. He yelled out "sumimasen" about 4 or 5 times, but nothing. I've been wondering ever since if that is a crime or not...
0
Gurukun
Whoa!! I thought the title said "NRA". I got happy thier for a minute.
0
Badge213
Matsuya has been using vending machines for years.
0
Badge213
Yoshinoya's behind all of this...
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