Taipei City, Taiwan — May 5, 2026
A 44-year-old man with a prior record of theft was arrested after allegedly breaking into multiple claw machine shops in the Shilin District of Taipei City and stealing cash from inside the machines. Police said the suspect had repeatedly targeted unmanned entertainment shops operating 24 hours a day.
According to authorities, several shop owners reported incidents of forced entry involving claw machine units, with cash compartments inside the machines broken into and emptied. Following multiple complaints, investigators reviewed CCTV footage and identified a suspect believed to be responsible for at least six separate break-ins, with estimated losses reaching tens of thousands of New Taiwan dollars.
Police noted that the suspect frequently moved around different areas of the district, making him difficult to track. Officers from the Shilin Precinct monitored his usual patterns, including time and location, to anticipate further activity.
During a routine patrol operation, officers spotted the suspect entering a claw machine shop. They observed him using a large cutting tool to forcibly open a machine. Police immediately intervened, stopped the incident, and arrested him at the scene. The tool used in the break-in was also confiscated.
Investigators said the man has multiple previous theft convictions. He allegedly admitted that financial difficulties led him to target unattended claw machine establishments.
Authorities are continuing to document the full extent of the incidents and are reminding business owners to strengthen security measures, including installing surveillance cameras, reinforcing locks, and improving lighting in shop areas.
Police also urged the public to report any suspicious activity immediately through emergency hotlines to help prevent similar crimes and maintain public safety in the community.