China has mobilized over 70,000 police officers to ensure the safe operation of railways during the crowded Spring Festival period, which began Wednesday.

Millions of students, transient workers and tourists are expected to travel by railway during the traditional Chinese LunarNew Year holidays.

Spring Festival is also one of the best times for thieves and robbers as well illegal ticket venders.

On Jan. 2, the Ministry of Railways' Public Security Bureau held a teleconference on the issue. Since then, 2,575 police squads have been sent to grassroots units and so far, they have handled 1,800 criminal cases.

(Xinhua News Agency January 8, 2004)