Suspicious rocks prompt investigation by Kobe police

In the quiet residential neighborhoods of Kobe City, a bizarre scenario is playing out with increasing frequency, leaving residents on edge and prompting a heightened state of alert from the Hyogo Prefectural Police.

The seemingly innocuous act of placing rocks on gates and garages has become a disturbing trend in Kobe, raising concerns about a potential surveillance tactic used by criminals.

Rocks have been found in locations where they would not normally be expected

The Hyogo Prefectural Police are taking these incidents seriously, recognizing the potential connection to future break-ins.

The stones, often small and easily overlooked, are strategically placed where they are likely to fall or move when a gate or garage door is opened or closed.

Rocks have been placed in locations where opening gates will move them

This detail is crucial to understanding the potential motive behind this strange phenomenon.

The police suspect that these strategically placed stones are being used as a rudimentary form of surveillance.

By observing which stones remain undisturbed over time, potential thieves can identify houses where residents are absent or less vigilant.

Hyogo Prefectural Police Headquarters itself has not been a victim of the suspicious rocks

A stone left untouched for an extended period could signal to criminals that a property is an easy target, ripe for a break-in. The logic is chillingly simple: no movement, no residents, no problem.

These events resemble similar incidents often reported in Europe where homes are marked with chalk or paint.

Such markings are often shared online alongside conspiracy theories accusing groups such as dog-nappers, Irish travelers, drug dealers or the homeless, of monitoring the affected property and using the markings to pass information between criminals.

Chalk markings may mean you're being targeted by dog-nappers! Best share it on Facebook to find out — Chalk markings may mean you’re being targeted by dog-nappers! Best share it on Facebook to find out

The truth is usually that those buildings have been marked by utility companies or local councils during preparations for street works.

While the incidents in Japan may turn out be equally as innocuous, the Kobe police are taking the matter seriously.

Kobe City has been the location of these suspicious rock incidents

One confirmed incident occurred shortly after noon on 29th January in Gakugaoka, Tarumi Ward, Kobe City.

A woman in her 50s contacted the police after two young men rang her intercom and attempted to open her gate without permission. Startled, the woman observed the men through her window.

Following the unsettling encounter, she discovered several small rocks, ranging from 1 to 3 centimeters in size, placed on her gate and near her garage.

This wasn’t an isolated incident as an investigation by the Tarumi Police Station revealed a pattern.

Between 29th January and 4th February, similar rocks were found at a total of 13 other homes in the same residential area.

Tarumi Police Station have been investigating these bizarre incidents

This discovery solidified the police’s suspicion of a coordinated “marking” operation.

The police are now urging residents to be vigilant and report any instances of finding rocks placed on their gates or other parts of their property immediately.

They are also advising residents to check vacant houses in their neighborhoods for similar markings and to remove any stones found.

Source: Asahi Shimbun