Thief Steals NT$25,000 from Taipei Restaurant During Lunch Break; Suspect Identified

A vegetarian stir-fry restaurant in Taipei's bustling East District became the target of a brazen theft during its midday break. The perpetrator entered the establishment and made off with an estimated NT$25,000 from the cash register.

The incident occurred on Daan Road Section 1, a popular commercial area. The restaurant owner, Ms. Chang, discovered the loss upon reopening the shop and subsequently reported the crime to the police. Detectives from the Daan Precinct responded promptly, collecting evidence and reviewing surveillance footage.

Video evidence revealed the thief loitering near the restaurant before the break-in. The suspect then stealthily entered the counter area during the staff's rest period to steal the cash. The restaurant shared the footage on social media platform Threads, warning other businesses to secure their premises, lock doors during breaks, and avoid leaving cash in the register overnight.

According to police, the suspect entered the restaurant three times within a 15-minute window while the doors were unlocked. During the second entry, the theft occurred. On the third entry, the suspect reportedly wiped fingerprints from the money box. Authorities have identified the individual as a known repeat offender and are intensifying efforts to apprehend them.

Police are urging businesses to enhance their security measures, including reinforcing entry points and conducting regular patrols, and to report any suspicious activity or theft immediately.