A 61-year-old unemployed guy in Takasaki, Gunma just learned the hard way that hanging around apartment balconies looking for free laundry is a bad idea.
Police say Kyuzo Okawara first struck on July 10, snatching five pieces of women’s underwear that had been left out to dry on a first-floor balcony. The resident reported it, and officers set up a stakeout at the apartment.
Two weeks later, on July 24, the same guy came back for more. Cops were waiting and arrested him right there on the spot.
When questioned, he reportedly just said, “I saw the underwear hanging there and wanted it.”
A search of his place turned up around 70 pieces of women’s underwear. Investigators are now looking into whether he’s been responsible for other unreported thefts in the area.
Another day, another balcony panty thief in Japan. At least this one got caught mid-act instead of just vanishing with someone’s laundry.