FUKUOKA -- A series of thefts targeting cherry blossom viewers at a park in this southwestern Japan city have been reported, and local police are asking people to be careful.

A total of seven cases of theft were reported between March 26 and 30 at Maizuru Park in Fukuoka's Chuo Ward, where the cherry blossoms were at their best.

According to Chuo Police Station, reports included a stolen bag that was left on a bench during flower viewing and another bag containing approximately 200,000-300,000 yen (about $1,330-2,000) in proceeds from a food stall that went missing. Six of the seven incidents reportedly occurred at night between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.

The Fukuoka Castle Sakura Festival is being held between March 26 and April 6 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the park, attracting many flower-viewing visitors. A 43-year-old woman from the city's Jonan Ward told the Mainichi Shimbun, "There was also a warning from the event staff. I usually leave my bag unattended or with the zipper open, but I immediately kept it close to my body."

Fukuoka Prefectural Police are urging people to keep an eye on their valuables and carry their belongings with them when leaving their seats.

(Japanese original by Yuki Kurisu, Kyushu News Department)