Nagano police re-arrest two men for stealing copper from shrines

Police in Nagano Prefecture have re-arrested two men, aged 50 and 29, on suspicion of stealing approximately 150 kilograms of copper from the Nyusanto Shrine in Shimojo Village. The suspects reportedly stripped the copper plating from the roof of the shrine's purification fountain between late August and mid-September.

During questioning, the men admitted to the theft, stating they wanted money for recreational activities. Investigators have recovered the stolen copper from a metal recycling dealer, along with tools including gloves and crowbars used in the crime.

Authorities believe the suspects may be linked to similar thefts reported at nine different shrines across six municipalities in the region. The Nyusanto Shrine is notable as the location where local celebrity Ryuta Mine held his wedding ceremony.