Beijing, the 2008 Olympic host, has been sparing no effort in cracking down on crime to ensure a sound and safe social environment for the Olympic Games, according to Ma Zhenchuan, head of Beijing's Municipal Public Security Bureau.

"Terror attacks often target Olympics," said the official, who also heads the Beijing Olympic Security Headquarters, in a recent speech, "The city has launched a program called 'Action for a Safe Olympiad' as the 2008 Olympic Games approaches."

Ma compared crimes to a sand heap. "The smaller the base is, the smaller the heap is. The 2008 Games are safe only when its host is safe," he stressed.

From January to May, Beijing police forces are beefing up security for the Olympiad to crack down on organized crime, robbery, murder and other severe criminal offences, collect illegally-held explosives, guns and ammunition, and strengthen control over knives, bows and crossbows.

The police are also stepping up surveillance on entertainment venues to fight pornography and gambling. It will remove safety hazards within 200 meters around Olympic venues while strengthening security control in the surrounding areas.

According to Che, police successfully eradicated drugs at entertainment venues in 2006 and closed three underground markets last year. Currently, the police are further strengthening their efforts to protect communities from drugs.

"Nearly 50 percent of the street crimes within our jurisdiction are under control." said Zhang Weigang, Haidian District Public Security Sub-bureau head.

The crime-fighting capabilities of Beijing Police have improved markedly these years. On August 14, it took only six minutes to catch six suspects after receiving a robbery report.

Thanks to efforts made by various competent departments and agencies, public order and security in the city are improving.

Last year, the growth rate of criminal cases fell 5.9 percent, a downtrend for three successive years.