In a case that has shaken public trust, a woman reported a break-in to her boss and asked him to cover her shift, unaware he was the one who had been secretly entering her home for months.
According to Tokyo Reporter, citing Fuji News Network, Tokyo Metropolitan Police arrested Takakazu Shirai, 51, on July 23, 2025, after he admitted to unlawfully entering the home of a fellow female part-time worker, a university student.
Took Photos of Her Key and Duplicated It
Shirai reportedly took a picture of the woman’s house key with his smartphone while at work.
Using the serial number stamped on the key, he ordered a duplicate online and used it to access her apartment without her knowledge.
Stole Photo Booth Stickers, Found Images of Underwear in Suspect’s Phone
Although the only items confirmed stolen were two photo booth stickers worth around 750 yen (approx. S$6), police found a dozen images of women’s underwear on Shirai’s smartphone during their investigation.
He Told Police the Break-Ins Relieved Stress
Shirai told officers that he had developed feelings for the woman and found comfort in being inside her apartment.
He admitted to photographing her underwear during his visits, saying it helped him cope with work-related stress.
While he initially intended to steal her underwear, Shirai claimed he settled on taking stickers instead, thinking it would reduce the chances of being caught.
Broke Into Her House 13 Times
He reportedly broke into her house at least 13 times between April and June 2025. The woman initially had no idea the person intruding on her private space was someone she worked with.
The truth only came to light following an unexpected encounter between Shirai and one of her friends.
A Friend’s Visit Exposed Months of Intrusion
The repeated break-ins remained undiscovered until June 17, 2025, when one of the woman’s friends dropped by her apartment and encountered Shirai inside.
He fled the scene immediately.
Unaware that her coworker was the intruder, the woman later phoned Shirai and said,
“A strange old man has come to my house to rob me. I want you to take my shift.”
She later reviewed footage from her home security camera and was shocked to find that the “old man” was Shirai himself.
More from Wake Up Singapore:-
Man in Japan Arrested After Breaking Into Female Colleague’s Home Wearing Only Underwear
Japanese Man Arrested for Allegedly Breaking Into Colleague’s Home to Steal Her Underwear
“Breaking into other people’s homes is a hobby of mine” — Man arrested for trespassing in Japan
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