TOKYO, Dec 3, (Xinhua): Japan's northern prefectures of Miyagi and Yamagata recently reported break-in robberies, leaving two people injured, with police searching for suspects who remain at large. According to Miyagi police, at around 2:20 a.m. local time on Tuesday, an unidentified intruder broke into a convenience store in Omori district of Ishinomaki city.

The suspect grappled with a male employee who was working alone, choking him from behind and injuring his neck. The victim, who remained conscious, was hospitalized, police said. The assailant fled the scene after stealing about 80,000 yen (514 US dollars) in cash from the register. Police said that the suspect's gender and age are unknown and that officers are continuing the search.

In a separate case, police in the city of Kaminoyama in neighboring Yamagata prefecture reported a residential break-in around 4 pm local time on Sunday. A man entered a home in Takano district, threatened the resident, and stole a wallet before escaping. The resident sustained minor injuries in the incident. Police said the suspect's age and physical characteristics have not yet been determined. Authorities are conducting a search and have urged residents in surrounding areas to remain vigilant and take security precautions.