TAIPEI, May 11 (CNA) – A 38-year-old unemployed man with a passion for luxury cologne was arrested in connection with a series of department store thefts across Taipei, local police confirmed on Sunday.
The Taipei City Police Department said it began receiving reports earlier this year of perfume being stolen from store counters. Surveillance footage revealed a suspect who used accessories like hats, umbrellas, or bags to disguise himself during or after committing the thefts.
According to investigators, the man—identified as Liu (劉), a resident of Banqiao District in New Taipei—initially stole three bottles of cologne worth NT$7,200 (about US$238) each from a Shin Kong Mitsukoshi store in mid-February. A week later, he took a NT$16,000 bottle from SOGO and continued targeting other department stores, particularly in Taipei’s Xinyi District.
Police say Liu used crowded areas like shopping centers and public transportation to avoid detection following the thefts. After gathering enough evidence, authorities obtained arrest and search warrants, leading to Liu’s apprehension and the discovery of further evidence at his residence.
During questioning, Liu reportedly admitted to the crimes, explaining that he loved wearing expensive cologne and began stealing it after losing his job. Investigators said there is no indication that Liu tried to resell the stolen goods.
Liu was handed over to Taipei prosecutors and is being investigated for larceny under Taiwan’s Criminal Code.
