2 Vietnamese arrested for stealing bicycles in Tokyo, 70 thefts suspected

Two Vietnamese citizens have been arrested for the suspected theft of two bicycles in Tokyo, investigators said on Thursday, in what is believed to be part of a larger operation in which around 70 bicycles were stolen in the capital.

The suspects, Vu Quang Quyen, 33, and Bui Duy Cong, 31, were arrested by Tokyo police on suspicion of stealing two dirt bikes worth around 80,000 yen ($500). Investigators believe the pair have repeatedly entered Japan since October to steal bikes, dismantle them and bring them to Vietnam.

A photo taken at a police station in Tokyo on July 11, 2024 shows three confiscated bicycles in connection with the arrest of two Vietnamese citizens on bicycle theft charges. (Kyodo)

The suspects have admitted to the charges related to the arrest, investigators said. They told police the bikes are popular in Vietnam and sold at high prices, and in Japan they are easy to steal because of the large number of parked bikes.

The two are suspected of stealing two bicycles belonging to a 34-year-old man from the property of a residential building in Tokyo’s Toshima district at around 4 a.m. on July 2.