In a case that’s raising eyebrows across the capital, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department has arrested a 49-year-old man on suspicion of a series of toilet valve thefts from public restrooms.
Former Plumber Linked to Around 80 Toilet Valve Thefts
Hisakazu Oba, a former plumber who is currently unemployed, is believed to be linked to around 80 thefts of the brass components across Tokyo and neighboring Saitama.
The investigation began in December 2025 following a string of similar incidents in parks across the capital. Earlier this month, he was caught red-handed with four valves in his bag.
Investigators spotted him exiting a public restroom in a park in Saitama with an unnaturally bulging backpack. A subsequent search revealed the stolen items, each worth approximately ¥100,000.
Oba admitted to the charges, telling police that he sold the valves to metal dealers. “They are easy to remove and sell for a high price,” he said.
The suspect spent his spoils on kyotei boat racing
Suspect Used the Money To Gamble
“Since last September, I’ve done this about 70 to 80 times. I used [the money] to place boat racing bets,” added Oba. He was able to remove the valves in under three minutes.
On April 9, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government reported that 22 flush valves had disappeared from nine parks over a two-week period in March alone, including in Nerima, Suginami and Itabashi wards.
Oba, who worked as a plumber for 20 years before losing his job last June, became a suspect after analysis of security camera footage and interviews with metal recycling shops.
The thefts have reportedly cost the city approximately ¥1.2 million in damages. Police are continuing their investigation to determine the full extent of the incidents and whether Oba may be responsible for additional cases.
