To better monitor streets and public places and to ensure social security, the Hangzhou Public Security Bureau will put its residents under a protective net consisting of thousands of electronic monitors, China Daily said Thursday.

About 1,000 observation posts - each to be equipped with electronic security cameras - will be set up at major streets and important places by the end of next year.

Particular attention will be paid to large malls, squares, theatres, entertainment venues, transportation stations, hotels and places not yet in good order.

Yu Huida, Hangzhou's deputy Party secretary, said the city is planning to facilitate 600 observation spots this year by spending 100 million yuan (US$12 million).

The network is expected to better maintain public order, create a safe and sound atmosphere for citizens and improve the area's investment environment.

"Via implementation of this high-tech monitoring system, we will improve our work efficiency and thus prevent or crack down on street crimes," said Chen Weibo, spokesman for the Public Security Bureau of Xiacheng, a district of Hangzhou.

To showcase the effect of the new system, Xiacheng District started the monitoring system in October last year.

Statistics indicate that between last October and June this year, about 46 criminal cases were cracked and 121 suspects were arrested with the help of monitors in this district.

The recent rise in street crimes in the area is the major reason for implementation of the monitors in the streets, Chen noted.

Besides the installation of the monitoring devices in public locations, they will also be set up in communities, such as entrances, exits and parking places.

Institutions that have already set up monitors - like financial organs and post offices - are encouraged to network the devices with local police, according to Chen.

Most electronic monitors were installed in open and high places, enabling police to monitor the area in all-round visual angle 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"It will greatly help us relieve the high pressure on a small police force," Chen noted.

Any suspicious situation will be spotted by the 360-degree-rotated cameras and then sent to a command center for analysis and quick action.

Patrol police in that area will soon receive the center's command and follow suspects to stop a possible scenario.

All record spotted by the cameras will be used as inside information and can be stored in the center for two weeks.

"We are putting the pieces in places to throw a net over criminals, so they will have no chance to offend others and escape," Chen said.

Moreover, the wireless monitoring system will be applied to patrolling police officers or police vehicles so the command center can view the places where they go.

"The most important function of the monitoring system is to prevent and stop crimes," said Chen Weizeng, deputy director of the Hangzhou Public Security Bureau.

(China Daily July 8, 2004)