Crimes by U.S. soldiers increasing in Okinawa

In 2001, 72 U.S. soldiers and personnel related to U.S. military bases were arrested in Okinawa involving 70 incidents, up 30 percent from the previous year. Their crimes committed on this island have increased consecutively during the past three years.

In 1998, 46 were arrested involving 38 cases, then 59 in 48 cases in 1999, 67 in 53 cases in 2000, according to Okinawa's Prefectural Police.

The number of incidents in 1998 was the lowest since 1972 when the U.S. returned the administrative rights over Okinawa to Japan, but turned to mark a consecutive and sharp increase. (end)