Police said Tuesday they have arrested a Tokyo Broadcasting System political reporter on suspicion of shoplifting food items at a supermarket in Tokyo's Minato Ward.

Shoichi Shirahata, 38, was arrested on the spot for allegedly taking a package of broiled eel and two other food items worth a total of ¥5,300 at the supermarket in Akasaka around 1:30 p.m. Sunday, according to the Akasaka Police Station.

The Minato Ward resident admitted the charge but refused to explain why he stole the items, the police said.

A supermarket staff found Shirahata trying to take the items out of the store in a bag covered with a scarf.

"We will deal with the matter strictly after investigating the facts," a TBS public relations official said.