# Copper theft incidents in Japan

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/copper-theft-incidents-in-japan
> Updated: 2026-10-29T21:00:00.000Z. Sources: 8. Developments: 2.

Authorities in Japan are investigating multiple incidents involving the theft of copper materials. In Tokyo, three men were arrested for allegedly stealing approximately 4,300 meters of copper wire, valued at 950,000 yen, from a fire station construction site in Akiruno. Police are investigating if the group is linked to other thefts across Tokyo and Yamanashi prefectures.

In Nagano Prefecture, two men were re-arrested for stealing approximately 150 kilograms of copper plating from the roof of a purification fountain at the Nyusanto Shrine in Shimojo Village. The suspects stated they stole the metal to fund recreational activities. Investigators believe the men may be connected to similar thefts reported at nine different shrines across six municipalities in the region.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-29: Nagano police re-arrest two men for stealing copper from shrines

Two men have been re-arrested in Nagano, Japan, for allegedly stealing 150kg of copper from the Nyusanto Shrine and potentially other local shrines to fund recreational activities.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nagano-police-re-arrest-two-men-for-stealing-copper-from-shrines

### 2026-10-23: Three men arrested for stealing copper wire from Tokyo fire station construction site

Three men were arrested for stealing 4,300 meters of copper wire, worth about 950,000 yen, from a Tokyo fire station construction site.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/three-men-arrested-for-stealing-copper-wire-from-tokyo-fire-station-construction-site

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Cite as: Copper theft incidents in Japan. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/copper-theft-incidents-in-japan