OSAKA -- The city of Osaka has announced a comprehensive plan to make local streets, parks and schools safer, combating a rise in petty crime that has put Osaka atop the national list for reported incidents.

The plan, released late last month, calls for the number of streetlights along sidewalks and narrow side streets to be increased, as well video monitors to be installed in underground parking lots and subway stations.

It recommends that the number of security personnel around subway stations be increased, and that emergency buzzers in public lavatories and public parks be installed.