China's public security departments at the city and county levels are working to make "110" the sole number for citizens to report robbery, fire and road accidents, said a Ministry of Public Security spokesman in Beijing Thursday.

This will enable citizens to dial "110" for police help in case of emergencies such as assault, fire or road accident, said spokesman Wu Heping.

At present, people have to dial "110", "119" and "122", respectively, which Wu said is less efficient in dealing with the emergency cases.

The police in quite a few cities and counties are offering emergency services with the "three in one" mode on a trial basis, the spokesman said.

Launched nearly 20 years ago, the "110" police service number is known to almost everyone in China.

(Xinhua News Agency December 16, 2005)