Residential areas in the Chinese capital of Beijing have reported a sharp decline in crime over the past three months, thanks to stepped-up security efforts.
No criminal cases were reported at 300 neighborhood communities in and around the city over the period, a Beijing Police Bureau spokesman said on Monday.
Those crime-free communities accounted for 92 percent of the total 329 involved in a citywide drive to guard against robbery, rape, theft and murder, he said.
To boost public security, the communities have recruited more security guards and volunteers to help maintain order.
Meanwhile, most community management committees have installed audio and visual devices in apartment buildings to prevent any suspicious people from entering.
Hi-tech monitoring systems and alarms are connected to control rooms, where security guards can receive early warning of any potential crime.
The drive will soon extend to all communities in Beijing to ensure a sound and safe environment for the people and contribute to the city's political and social stability, said the spokesman.
( Xinhua News Agency July 23, 2002)
