Sumo wrestlers from the Tamanoi stable and stablemaster Daisuke Tamanoi, 35, this week started street crime prevention patrols in Tokyo's Adachi Ward.

In a high-profile attempt to make residents aware of street crime and traffic accidents in the area, the wrestlers walked the streets accompanied by around 120 students from local high schools on Tuesday and Wednesday. The team also dispensed information to residents about how to avoid being the victim of bank transfer scams, which often target the elderly and vulnerable.

A Nishiarai police spokesman said, "We enlisted a little help to ensure that local residents feel secure in the run-up to their New Year celebrations," TV Asahi reported

The patrols are scheduled to continue until Jan 3.

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