CHIBA - A rare red Coca-Cola bench was stolen from outside a prepared-food shop in Nagareyama, Chiba Prefecture, in the early hours of October 24th, with the owner suspecting the thieves intended to resell the collectible item to enthusiasts after similar benches were found listed online for as much as 180,000 yen.
The theft came to light when the shop, Hamaage, posted photographs on social media showing a large tear in a transparent plastic sheet covering the storefront.
Shigeru Yoshida, the shop's owner, said he discovered the bench was missing when he opened for business. "When I opened the shutter, the bench was gone. I was shocked, but more than anything, I just cannot understand what would make someone steal a bench," Yoshida said.
Security camera footage believed to show the theft captures a light-colored van stopping outside the shop with its hazard lights flashing shortly before dawn on October 24th.
After a short time, a person believed to have emerged from the vehicle opens its rear cargo door and walks toward the shop. More than a minute later, the suspected thief returns, closes the vehicle's rear door and drives away.
According to Yoshida, the intruder used a sharp object to cut through the plastic sheet covering the storefront, creating an opening large enough for one person to enter before removing the Coca-Cola bench.
"They cut through this section with a blade, making a hole just big enough for one person to get through," Yoshida explained.
The distinctive red bench had stood outside the shop for about 10 years after Yoshida received it from an acquaintance. It was particularly popular among elderly customers, who used it to rest while shopping.
Although the bench had served a practical purpose for local residents, its value as a collectible may have made it an attractive target.
Yoshida said he had seen similar Coca-Cola benches advertised online for between 60,000 and 70,000 yen and believes the thief may have intended to sell the stolen item to collectors.
Listings on online flea market platforms showed that some Coca-Cola benches were being offered for as much as 180,000 yen, highlighting the potential resale value of vintage advertising furniture.
Yoshida said he has filed a theft report with police.
Source: FNN
