Nagoya — Japan, long admired for its orderly and low-crime society, is facing a growing wave of criminal activity that is challenging its reputation for safety. Recent data shows sharp increases in both car thefts and home intrusions across the country, particularly in central Japan.
At a seminar on vehicle theft held by the Aichi Prefectural Police in May, residents were urged to strengthen security measures. Among them was a man in his 50s who had been targeted twice. In 2011, his Toyota Land Cruiser was stolen overnight. Four years later, thieves attempted to steal his vehicle again, causing more than ¥100,000 in damage by burning out its internal wiring.
Provisional data from the National Police Agency reveals 3,821 car thefts between January and June this year — a 29.2% rise compared to the same period last year.
Aichi Prefecture recorded the highest number with 639 cases (up 50.4%), followed by Saitama (479 cases, up 14.6%) and Kanagawa (396 cases, up 66.4%). Shizuoka also saw a dramatic surge, with cases reaching 165 — 6.6 times higher than the previous year.
According to Aichi police officials, skyrocketing vehicle prices in domestic and international markets are fueling organized auto crime. Criminal groups now operate with specialized roles — scouting, stealing, dismantling and exporting vehicles. Many thefts take only minutes due to the use of a device known in Japan as a CAN invader, which can unlock doors and start engines electronically.
Once stolen, vehicles are often dismantled at salvage yards, loaded into containers, shipped overseas and reassembled for sale.
Police note that over 60% of theft victims between January and March had only a single security measure, such as a basic alarm system. Experts recommend combined deterrents, including steering wheel locks, immobilizers and security cameras.
Home Burglaries Also Rising Across Japan
Crime involving home break-ins is also increasing sharply. A woman in rural Aichi — who had never considered herself at risk — said her home was targeted twice within one month. Her husband routinely left cash in his work bag in their living room, and ¥50,000 disappeared on two separate occasions, despite no visible signs of forced entry.
Like many residents in quiet regions, she often left a sliding door unlocked during short daytime trips. Police believe burglars may be exploiting such habits.
Between January and June, home burglaries rose to 8,898 cases — the highest level in five years. The most affected prefectures were:
- Saitama — 959 cases
- Chiba — 683 cases
- Ibaraki — 672 cases
- Aichi — 665 cases
Reports indicate that many intrusions involved unlocked doors, broken windows or impersonation tactics, with offenders posing as service workers to gather information about residents.
Officials warn that some crimes have escalated into “brazen burglaries”, involving confrontation, assault and robbery inside homes.
Police Urge Greater Vigilance
Masaki Takeuchi of the Aichi police community safety division stresses that many crimes can be prevented through basic precautions. He recommends:
- Locking all doors and windows — even during short absences
- Installing alarms and security cameras
- Using noise-making gravel on pathways
- Installing motion-activated lighting
- Upgrading to reinforced or security glass
“Coming face-to-face with a criminal puts your life at risk,” Takeuchi warned. “Combining multiple security measures greatly increases protection. Thinking about crime prevention as part of daily life is essential.”
As Japan grapples with evolving crime trends, authorities hope public awareness and proactive security steps will help restore peace of mind in a nation once considered one of the safest in the world.