Tokuryu Crime Spree in Koganei City: Over 16 Arrested in May-June, Mitaka City Also on Alert

Tokuryu is short for "anonymous fluid-type criminal groups" — an organizational structure in which perpetrators recruited via social media carry out crimes.
Members often do not know each other's faces, making it difficult for investigative authorities to grasp the full picture.

The fact that the same residence was targeted repeatedly suggests the group had conducted thorough advance reconnaissance.
The crimes are planned and organized.
Their nature is fundamentally different from theft by a lone offender.

Signs of Surveillance Also Spotted in Mitaka City

In Mitaka City, which borders Koganei City, there are reports of suspicious person sightings being shared among residents.
Multiple residents have shared information through SNS and local communication networks, and a sense of wariness is growing.
There is a possibility that the group's area of activity extends across the entire Tama southwest area, and police are also urging caution.

Mitaka City and Koganei City are a short distance apart by train or bus.
It is close enough that it cannot be dismissed as "someone else's city's problem."

What Residents Can Do Right Now

Here is a summary of the main crime prevention measures being called for by police and local governments.

• Install cameras and lighting: Set up security cameras and motion-sensor lights in spots that tend to become blind spots, such as the front entrance, parking area, and back entrance
• Connect with neighbors: If you spot a suspicious person, share that information with nearby residents
• Report suspicious persons early: If you see someone standing as if keeping watch, or a car repeatedly loitering around a residence, do not hesitate to call 110
• Create the impression someone is home: Even when you are out, use timers to control the TV and lights, making burglars think "someone is there"

Tokuryu's perpetrators tend to scout for easy targets during their "reconnaissance" phase.
Making them think "this place would be difficult" is the first step to not being targeted.

Contact Information for Police and Local Authorities

If you spot a suspicious person or vehicle, report it to 110 immediately.
For non-urgent consultations, the police consultation hotline #9110 is available.

Information on crime prevention in Koganei City and Mitaka City can also be found on each city's official website.

• Koganei City Crime Prevention Information
• Mitaka City Crime Prevention Information

Let's Raise Crime Prevention Awareness Across the Tama Southwest Area

The series of arrests this time appears to be the result of police investigation.
At the same time, given the possibility that the group's area of activity is expanding, continued vigilance is needed.
The carelessness of thinking "my town is safe" could lead to the next incident.

Neighbors calling out to each other and quickly sharing any suspicious activity —
these grassroots connections are the greatest barrier to criminal groups.
Residents of Koganei City and Mitaka City, of course, but also those living in surrounding areas, are encouraged to heighten their crime prevention awareness.