Elderly Japanese turn to petty crime

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Crime is not an age issue, it’s a social issue..

TOKYO, Japan (CNN) — “Beset by economic worries and loneliness, elderly Japanese are turning to petty crime in increasing numbers, the nation’s Justice Ministry reports. Thefts such as shoplifting and pick-pocketing were the main offenses, the ministry report said…”

“One hour later, officers stopped a second suspect, an 80-year-old man. He had enough money to pay for all of his groceries, but security officers said he tried to leave the store without paying for medicine for an upset stomach.”

http://edition.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/asiapcf/12/24/elderly.shoplifters/index.html