KYOTO (Kyodo) Kyoto police are warning people that a man pretending to ask for directions may approach them to grab their bags.
Since July, cases have been on the rise in which a man riding on a scooter has approached people on the streets to ask for directions, the police said. When they let their guard down, he has snatched their bags and fled.
Based on witness accounts, police believe the thefts may have been committed by the same man. Descriptions have varied, and police said he could be in his 20s to 40s.
Residents of the ancient capital and major tourist destination are often asked for directions.
"These thefts should be strongly condemned because the suspect takes advantage of people's good will," a police official said.
Kyoto will have a number of major annual festivals toward the autumn, and local tourism bodies plan to coordinate preventive steps with police and travel agencies.