If memory serves me correctly, the classic love poem goes something like this – roses are red, violets are blue, let me slash this tire, so I can love you?
Well, perhaps not, but according to Rocket News 24 that was the thought process behind one lusty Japanese businessman’s quest for female company.
Appearing in Nagoya district courthouse on April 16, Yoshihito Harada was accused of slashing the tires of five cars belonging to women in a bid to spark conversation.
According to prosecutors, between April 2011 and December 2012, Harada used screwdrivers and other sharp objects to puncture the tires outside supermarkets in Miyoshi, Nisshin and Toyota.
The 25-year-old would then wait for the owners of the vehicles to return before pointing out the flat tyre and offering to help.
While changing the wheels Harada allegedly struck up conversation with the women and would often attempt to exchange phone numbers.
The crafty flirt finally had his scam discovered when one of his victims told her friend that she suffered a flat tyre and ‘a kind young man offered to help’.
Upon hearing this unlikely tale, the victim’s friend explained she had also suffered a similar fate.
Putting two and two together the pair agreed they had both been victims of an elaborate ruse and immediately phoned the police who began investigating the matter.
When asked about the incident in court, an often tearful Harada said: “It’s true, I did it.”
Although he was only charged with five counts of inventive pick-up tactics, when questioned outside the courthouse, Harada’s lawyer said: “There were about 1,000, weren’t there?”
It is believed that out-of-court settlements are now being pursued by his other victims.
Picture courtesy of Marufish via Flickr, with thanks
Story originally reported in Rocket News 24.
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