Saitama Man Arrested for Theft of Mobile Speed‑Camera

Police in Kazo City, Saitama Prefecture arrested 58‑year‑old Koji Kuramoto on suspicion of stealing a mobile speed‑camera (mobile OVIS) that was being used to enforce speed limits on a national highway on 18 June 2026. The device, purchased by police for about 9 million yen, has not been recovered.

Surveillance footage shows Kuramoto’s vehicle passing the camera, then turning back toward it. Investigators believe the theft may have been intended to avoid detection for speeding, although Kuramoto denies the allegation, saying he noticed the flashing device while driving and returned to check it. Two officers were monitoring the area from a patrol car, and the theft was discovered only 20–30 minutes later.