The city's community security guards are to undergo strict background checks as well as training, according to a new policy launched by the Shanghai Justice Bureau.

More than 70,000 security guards in the city's 9,838 communities must sign a contract with the justice bureau after a strict background review and accept official training, according to the city's justice authority.

The new regulation is aimed at making residences safer, said the city government.

"Lots of homicide cases in Shanghai are triggered by indoor theft," said government official Le Weizhong.

A shocking crime happened in 2006 when a 24-year-old girl was murdered by a community security guard.

The guard had secured a security job using a fake ID card after he was released from prison.

"The city government will also install and maintain image monitoring systems and talkback systems in 60 percent of closed communities," Le said.

"The city will also add security doors for old style communities."

(Shanghai Daily February 23, 2008)