A monthly crime prevention day

Each month the 18th is Crime Prevention Day, bouhan no hi, 防犯の日. Crime Prevention Day raises awareness about personal and community safety. Organizations use the day to promote anti-theft measures, neighborhood watch activities, and general vigilance. It’s especially relevant during winter, when early sunsets can increase certain risks.

On a related note, I have noticed a sharp increase in the number of stores using anti-theft mechanisms in recent years. Have you noticed this? For example, my local Village Vanguard now puts anti-theft tags on several of its products. Some of them aren't even that expensive, but possibly they were being stolen, and they decided to introduce anti-theft tags.

The photo in this post advertises that there is a security system in operation. It is also very common to see signs highlighting the use of security cameras in Japan. All that being said though, crime rates are still very low in Japan. Regardless, it is always prudent to remain vigilant and do what you can to prevent crime.