Post-quake crime and scams compound misery for Kumamoto residents

Following the devastating earthquake that struck Kumamoto Prefecture, a new wave of criminal activity and fraudulent schemes has emerged, exacerbating the challenges faced by local residents. Suspicious individuals have been observed repeatedly loitering around damaged homes and evacuation shelters, leading to an increased police presence with over 300 officers from various units deployed to patrol the affected regions.

The Kumamoto Prefectural Police have also bolstered security measures, including the installation of additional surveillance cameras.

In the town of Hikawa, which endured the strongest shaking at level 7 on Japan's seismic intensity scale, a 70-year-old woman returned home from an evacuation site to discover that the window frames of her completely destroyed house had been deliberately removed. She expressed concern that someone might have entered the property in search of valuables. Some residents have taken matters into their own hands by setting up tents to monitor their homes and deter burglaries.

In the city of Kamimakusa, a 47-year-old unemployed man from Amakusa was apprehended on Saturday by police on suspicion of stealing an outdoor air conditioning unit from a 44-year-old company employee who had evacuated his residence and was resting in his vehicle. The suspect confessed to the allegation, stating that he was in dire financial straits and intended to sell the stolen item.

Authorities have also reported numerous instances of suspicious individuals visiting damaged homes and evacuation centers, posing as water utility workers, psychological counselors, and other professionals. These imposters often seek to exploit the vulnerable situation of disaster-stricken residents, with some posing as water-heater technicians.

A 48-year-old female company employee in Hikawa recounted an incident where a suspicious man and woman arrived at her home, claiming to represent a water-heater company. The woman wore heavy makeup and did not appear to be a legitimate representative. She expressed her disbelief at the audacity of such fraudulent schemes, emphasizing that if it were indeed a sales scam, it would be entirely unacceptable.

Following the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes, inspection scams became rampant, with operators offering to inspect damaged homes only to pressure residents into expensive repair contracts. Similar complaints are once again flooding into authorities following the latest earthquake. The Consumer Affairs Agency urges residents to report any suspicious activities to the Consumer Hotline at 188 as soon as possible.

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