Flower power!

Well, this is certainly one way of using flower power. Rather than the 60s version of using flowers as a symbol of peace, something that can stop war, why not use them in the war on crime?

A Tokyo district plagued with burglaries has turned to planting flowers to beautify its streets and help stamp out crime.

"'Operation Flower' began about three years ago. By planting flowers facing the street, more people will be keeping an eye out while taking care of the flowers or watering them," said Kiyotaka Ohyagi, a Suginami City official.

"The best way to prevent crime is to have more people on the lookout."

More people about in the open, more pairs of eyes looking out for the neighbourhood, less opportunity for crime. Hey, it works for me, can't see why it won't work there.