Furious Arcade Owners Offer Reward for 'Beyblade Bandit' Amidst Theft Spree
Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Multiple "Beyblade" toy thefts have occurred at claw machine arcades in central Taiwan, prompting frustration among arcade owners.
- Police are investigating a suspect believed to be responsible for thefts across Miaoli, Taichung, and Changhua counties.
- One arcade owner has offered a reward of four Beyblades, valued at over NT$15,000, for information leading to the thief's capture.
A wave of "Beyblade" toy thefts from claw machine arcades has gripped central Taiwan, leaving arcade operators furious and prompting a public manhunt. The popular, high-value toys have become a target for thieves, with multiple incidents reported in recent days.
Authorities are actively pursuing a suspect believed to be behind a string of thefts across Miaoli, Taichung, and Changhua counties. The suspect allegedly targets claw machines specifically for these sought-after Beyblades. Police have reportedly identified a person of interest and are intensifying their search.
If you steal Beyblades again, someone in your family will die.
Frustrated by the repeated losses, some arcade owners have resorted to drastic measures. One owner, who reported losing three Beyblades worth NT$8,000, has posted a public "wanted" notice, offering a substantial reward. The bounty includes four Beyblades, with a combined market value exceeding NT$15,000, for anyone who can identify and apprehend the "Beyblade Bandit."
Other arcade operators have also posted warnings, sharing surveillance footage of the suspect and urging fellow business owners to be vigilant. The escalating thefts highlight a growing problem of targeted theft in entertainment venues, pushing operators to take matters into their own hands.
The 'Beyblade Bandit' has already stolen a large number of Beyblades. If anyone discovers this man's whereabouts and captures him, the reward is four Beyblades.
Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.