Police officers across the Bangladeshi capital are donning wigs and wearing women's clothing to catch criminals targeting females on the city's streets, a senior official said on Tuesday.

"We took this unusual move because of rising crime in the city and it is working," deputy police commissioner Imtiaz Hossain told AFP.

"In the past four days we have arrested some 60 wanted muggers who have been targeting our officers thinking they are women civilians."

The specially formed teams across Dhaka, nicknamed "burka squads" after the Muslim female garment, are helping to catch muggers, bag snatchers and pickpockets, which are on the increase in the city.

Some male officers wear full burkas, while others opt for wigs to disguise themselves as women at busy intersections and crowded places where most of the crimes occur, Hossain said.

Authorities said the special patrol teams would continue to work on the streets in disguise until the law and order situation improved in the Muslim-majority country.

AFP

Week in Quotes Judge Hlophe bashes Latin; Malema hates Mickey Mouse; and Lekota hasn't punched anyone...

The iafrica.com debate Should our judicial system be 'Africanised'? Ebrahim Moolla takes on Rebekah Kendal...

Quirky & Bizarre Do you need a laugh? Then check out our offbeat stories from around the world...