The Chiba prefectural police are investigating a surge in thefts reported on flights departing from Narita International Airport. From January to October 2024, there have been 19 incidents of in-flight theft, a significant rise from the seven cases reported during the same period last year. Around 60% of the victims were Japanese men, who lost currency or credit cards stored in overhead compartments.
Victims reported an average loss of 410,000 yen (US$2,605) per incident, with one passenger losing as much as 2.07 million yen. The thefts reportedly occurred after cabin lights dimmed, a practice typically intended to help passengers sleep but now suspected as a tactic used by thieves to delay detection. The Mainichi newspaper has suggested that these thefts could be the work of organized crime groups targeting flights to both global and Asian destinations.
The financial impact on victims has been severe, with losses amounting to significant sums of money and valuables. Many passengers reported they had lost yen and US dollars, along with credit cards, exacerbating their distress. The incidents have raised concerns among travelers and airline authorities alike.
Chiba prefectural police are diligently working to identify and apprehend those responsible for these crimes. They aim to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure the safety and security of passengers traveling through Narita International Airport. Authorities have urged passengers to remain vigilant and to secure their belongings, especially when cabin lights dim during flights.
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