Society

Japan Police Offer Gasoline Discount for Downloading Crime Prevention App

SHIZUOKA, May 13 (News On Japan) - Shizuoka Prefectural Police have launched a new initiative offering gasoline discount coupons to promote the use of their crime prevention app. This is the first such campaign in Japan to tie fuel discounts to public safety app downloads.

The app, titled "Dokodemo Police," has been available since 2023 and provides users with real-time updates on crimes such as scams, suspicious individuals, and incidents of groping. It includes features aimed at protecting women and children. According to Minamishino from the Community Safety Planning Division, "This app allows users to receive timely crime prevention updates from the police. Simply downloading it contributes to peace of mind."

As of the end of April, around 40,000 people had installed the app. To further increase user numbers, the police partnered with a gas station operator, ENEOS EneJet Shizuoka Mariko-Shinden SS (S-net Shizuoka) in Suruga Ward, Shizuoka City. The campaign offers app users a coupon for a 5 yen discount per liter of fuel.

The offer applies to 17 gas stations across the prefecture and is valid through June 30th, with no limit on usage frequency. It is the first time in Japan that police have issued gas discount coupons as part of a crime prevention campaign.

Naoto Takahashi, head of the Community Safety Division, stated, "We hope as many people as possible will register for 'Dokodemo Police' and raise their awareness of crime prevention through regular updates."

Gas station operators also see the partnership as a mutually beneficial opportunity. S-net Shizuoka President Kimura Kōshi commented, "I think it's a win-win idea. We're glad to contribute to crime prevention."

The police aim to boost app users to 58,000 by March 2026.

Source: SBSnews6

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