To encourage civilians to battle crime, the Shanghai Public Security Bureau announced that from this month onward, the compensation for families of heroes who die in the anti-crime fight has been increased to 110,000 yuan (US$13,253) from the previous 100,000 yuan, while those who get injured in the task can get a maximum of 5,000 yuan, up 1,000 yuan from before.

The six citizens honored yesterday were all male, Zhuang Liqiang of the bureau revealed.

According to Zhuang, Yu Yang, a 28-year-old from Heilongjiang, subdued a robber who tried to attack a girl on Xinhu Road in Putuo District on September 21.

Police said Yu was with his girlfriend at that time but still rushed to chase the suspect when he heard the victim screaming for help.

Shang tao, 37, also subdued a thief who attempted to steal a mobile phone on a bus on June 7. Police revealed that Shang of Baoshan District was a retired People's Liberation Army soldier.

Shanghai has been encouraging citizens to fight against crime, issuing public praise for outstanding heroes every month. Since 1990, more than 3,000 citizens have been lauded for their courage, and more than 700 have received awards.

(eastday.com December 11, 2002)