More than 20 possible cases of theft have been reported on Miyake Island after its residents were forced to evacuate last summer due to volcanic eruptions, according to police.

The Metropolitan Police Department has found doors and windows of the vacated homes and shops apparently forced open and is investigating.

But MPD officials question whether the burglaries were worth the effort as the islanders were told to remove all their valuables when they evacuated. The island also remains off-limits.