OSAKA –
A 60-year-old unemployed man has been arrested and indicted for allegedly stealing water meters from condominium complexes in Sakai, Osaka Prefecture, in what police consider was a scheme to promote the units amid hovering copper costs and a rising nationwide wave of steel thefts.
Koji Nakagaki is accused of stealing a water meter from a vacant unit at a public housing complicated in Sakai’s Nishi Ward in April.
Police mentioned they’ve additionally gathered proof linking Nakagaki to the theft of 49 water meters from condominium buildings throughout Sakai throughout April, with the stolen gadgets valued at a complete of roughly 147,000 yen. The extra allegations have been referred to prosecutors.
Investigators consider Nakagaki focused the meters as a result of they include copper, the value of which has risen sharply in recent times, growing the resale worth of steel elements. During questioning, Nakagaki reportedly admitted to the thefts, telling investigators, “I stole them because I had no money.”
The case displays a rising nationwide drawback linked to rising copper costs and robust international demand for the steel. Copper is a key materials utilized in electrical autos, renewable power programs, energy grid upgrades, and AI-related infrastructure, pushing costs to traditionally excessive ranges and growing the attractiveness of steel theft.
Water meters have turn into a specific goal as a result of they’re comparatively straightforward to take away and include worthwhile copper and brass elements. Authorities say thieves usually concentrate on vacant houses, public housing items, and unoccupied residences the place the thefts could go unnoticed for prolonged durations.
Similar incidents have been reported throughout Japan in recent times. Copper cable thefts from solar energy services and electrical infrastructure have elevated, whereas temples and shrines have additionally fallen sufferer to thieves focusing on copper roofing and ornamental metalwork. In some instances, giant portions {of electrical} wiring have been stolen from industrial and power services.
Municipal governments in a number of prefectures have reported repeated thefts of water meters, prompting considerations about disruptions to public utilities and the rising prices of changing stolen gear.
Police are persevering with to analyze the extent of Nakagaki’s actions and whether or not he could have been concerned in promoting the stolen meters via scrap steel channels. Authorities are additionally inspecting whether or not the case is linked to broader developments in copper-related thefts which have emerged throughout the nation as steel costs proceed to climb.
Source: YOMIURI