Luraido Mall, in South-western Japan, has come under fire from anti-corporal punishment watchdog group, Save our Bottoms (SOB) for its practice of paddling shoplifting suspects. SOB spokesperson, Haroiko Katsuma said Monday: "People are being made to bend over for six licks with paddles. It's appalling. Most victims have no idea what they've done wrong."

But mall tenants vigorously defend the new policy, and point to dramatic decreases in petty crimes ranging from shoplifting to vandalism. Says Maiko Yarido, manager of Nippon Gifts, "We've sent a loud, clear message to criminals. If you want to steal, you'd better have buns of steel."