Police distribute bicycle basket covers at crime prevention event

TOKYO —

Police in Machida, Tokyo, held an event this week to make people more aware of the dangers of purse snatchers targeting bicycles.

During the event, police introduced local residents to a new bicycle basket cover designed to prevent theft, The cover, known as “Kurumi-chan,” is given away to members of the public who participate in theft-prevention events.

According to police, in the 12-month period to June 30, the number of purse-snatching cases decreased by around 400 on the previous year.