In a teleconference held Wednesday by the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) to launch the campaign, Public Security Minister Jia Chunwang said public security has more room for improvement even though progress has been made.

Describing the campaign as a response to the common requests of general public, he expected it to help create a safe environment.

MPS vice-minister Bai Jingfu said during the campaign police will intensify efforts to solve more cases of theft and robbery, regulate the markets dealing in mobile phones, jewelry and motorcycles and improve the management of people migrating to the cities.

Bai urged public security departments to cooperate with each other and adopt effective measures to bring down the present high incidence of theft.

(People's Daily July 18, 2002)