Guangzhou will install "electronic eyes" in streets, public places, mass transit systems and roads that are high crime black spots, China News Service reported yesterday. A citywide video surveillance system with 250,000 video monitors will be built and renovated to ensure public security in the city in the next two years, thus residents will have one more "bodyguard."

After the London terrorist attack, the police rapidly solved the case thanks to closed circuit television monitors in the city's streets and alleys.

Guangzhou Information Office Director Xie Xuening said that Guangzhou would take two years completing the construction of the public security video system, which would cover all public places, major streets, critical departments, key spots, places with large crowds, mass transit systems, city gateways, communities and residential blocks over the entire city.

Upon completion of this system, criminals will be under the close surveillance of these "electronic eyes" and they will feel more apprehension and dare not perpetrate crimes under such circumstances.

In view of some citizens and media's concern that the public security surveillance system might infringe on their privacy and their rights, Zhang Guifang, vice secretary of Guangzhou Municipal CPC Committee, stressed that "cameras are installed to frighten criminals," and the material captured on video monitors would be kept in strict confidence and not be released to the public.
 
(China News Service March 14, 2006)