Ibaraki convenience store robbery thwarted after clerk’s shout forces helmeted robber to flee

On the early morning of July 31, a man wearing a helmet, goggles, mask and a “safety officer” armband entered a Seven‑Eleven convenience store in Kasumigaura City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, brandishing a knife‑like object and demanding cash.

The 66‑year‑old male clerk shouted “robbery!” loudly, prompting the intruder to spray what appeared to be tear‑gas‑type spray and flee in a car without taking any money. No customers were present and no injuries were reported. Police are treating the incident as an attempted robbery and are searching for the suspect, described as about 170 cm tall, wearing a black jacket and navy trousers.