Sapporo cops warn of possible pedophile predator

The Mainichi Shimbun
December 8, 2007
Source: http://mdn.mainichi.jp/national/news/20071208p2a00m0na022000c.html

SAPPORO -- Sapporo police have warned parents to be on the lookout after a spate of incidents where men have tried to enter homes at times while kids are alone, possibly seeking to commit robbery or sex crimes.

Over 10 incidents of a man pretending to inspect waterworks in Sapporo's Shiroishi-ku have occurred, and though nobody has reported falling victim as yet, police fear something may happen and are warning residents to be on their guard.

"There's a possibility this could lead to sex attacks or robbery," a spokesman for the Hokkaido Prefectural Police said. "We want parents to warn children left alone at home not to open the doors for any old reason."

Police said a man approached a sixth-grade girl at home alone on the afternoon of Dec. 3, told her he was giving free waterworks inspections and asked to use the toilet in her home. The girl refused, shut the door on the man and he went away. On the same day, a boy in sixth grade living nearby reported being approached by someone believed to be the same man and turned him away, too.

Police described the man as being from 35 to 40, about 160 to 170 centimeters tall, chubby, with longish dyed hair and wearing glasses and a green work uniform.

About 10 identical incidents have been reported in the ward since August, with each case occurring in the hours between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. The features and clothing of the man carrying out these cases suggests there is a high likelihood he is the same person reported to have contacted the children on Dec. 3.

Police fear the man has preyed on children at home alone after returning from school.

（Mainichi Japan） December 8, 2007