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A crackdown to prevent tourists being harassed by beggars and street traders in one of Shanghai's most famous scenic areas has been launched.

Inspectors from the Shanghai Urban Administration Bureau's Huangpu District team have begun patrolling the Bund to stop newspaper and fruit vendors, as well as beggars and shoeshiners, from pestering holidaymakers.

"There are about 10 shoeshiners and 20 beggars who are the biggest pests to tourists from home and abroad," the head of the inspectors, identified by the surname of Gu, said.

The shoeshiners stop foreign tourists and apply polish to their shoes without asking, and charge them US$10-50. Child begging has also been identified as a problem, with youngsters pulling people's clothes until they hand over money.

"This type of behaviour creates an extremely bad impression," Gu said. Culprits previously hid in the small lanes nearby to try to avoid the inspectors. Occasionally, they would send out "detectives" to check on the position of inspectors, looking for opportunities to come back.

The Huangpu District Inspectors Team, which previously carried out patrols, had tried to solve the problems but failed, because as soon as inspectors left, the culprits would return.

Some were taken off the streets to related bureaux, but had to be released shortly afterwards as their conduct was not deemed serious enough to warrant further punishment.

The No 4 branch team of Huangpu District urban administration took over the inspection of the Bund in late January.

The inspectors divide the 1000-metre long area into two zones, and eight inspection sites. Each inspector is in charge of a particular site.

Inspectors are increasing their working efficiency with more patrols and stricter supervision.

"We do non-stop inspections in the zones for 15 hours every day, from 7:30 AM to 10:45 PM, after the scenic lighting on the Bund is switched off at 10:30 PM," said Han Yongsheng, leader of the No 4 branch team.

Businesses along the western side of the area are also working with the team to help maintain the environment along the Bund, which is known as Shanghai's "international building museum."

The public has generally applauded the crackdown on beggars and street traders harassing people

Russel Chen, a local who often accompanies friends to the Bund area, said: "Beggars often come up and surround you before you can open the taxi door.

"They would pull your clothes, often carrying babies in their arms."

Some foreign tourists do show sympathy towards beggars.

But one expatriate from the UK said giving them money "encouraged such conduct."

(China Daily February 22, 2006)