In order to maintain social stability, the Shanghai Bureau of Public Security has recently issued a proclamation promising severe punishment for local gangsters and racketeers.

According to the notice, the police will crack down on criminal cases such as blackmail, gang-fights and employing gangsters as debt collectors. As chief culprit, anyone who employs or incites others to commit the above offenses will face stiff penalities. Participants in criminal activities (including accessories) will also be punished.

Those who commit the above offenses must surrender to the police and acknowledge their crimes in order to receive a lenient sentence. Local citizens who offer useful tips to the police will be rewarded.

(Xinhua News Agency October 18, 2005)