Burglars broke into the home of a Nagoya businessman Sunday night, tied him up and stole a heavy safe containing 250,000 yen in cash, gold necklaces and bank passbooks, police said Monday.
The victim, Hisao Hamada, 67, who runs a beauty equipment company from his home, was kicked in the stomach and suffered light bruises, police said.
Hamada, who lives alone, told investigators he saw two intruders. But police suspect more were involved because the strong box, 130 cm high, weighs some 200 to 300 kg.
The burglars blindfolded Hamada and tied his hands with adhesive tape. He managed to untie himself after the intruders fled and sought help from his sister, who lives in the neighborhood.