A police team in Japan has reportedly started a cross-dressing patrol with the goal of catching attempted thieves.

According to the Asahi daily, the all-male police group in the central Aichi prefecture walks the streets in high heels, short skirts and wigs while holding designer bags.

One unnamed 26-year-old officer said: "It's cowardly to target women who are weak."

Another 25-year-old policeman admitted that he "panicked" when a male driver propositioned him from his car.

Police must reportedly hold a black belt in a martial art and be young and fit in order to join the group.

It is claimed that no thieves have yet been caught by the team, though an Aichi police spokesman refused to comment to AFP on the report.