A string of vending machines across Katsushika Ward, Tokyo, have been torched and robbed, authorities said Wednesday — a rare event in a country where the ubiquitous machines usually escape thieves' attention.

The Tokyo Fire Department said a total of 26 machines were destroyed between Sept. 14 and Tuesday, while television footage showed wide burn marks extending upwards from the machines' coin slots. The thieves reportedly made off with at least ¥100,000 in the robberies.

Police suspect that whoever is behind the torchings intended to steal the cash inside, according to public broadcaster NHK.