Shenzhen police have launched a citywide campaign to ensure good social order, traffic and fire control during the Spring Festival period, according to a police press release yesterday.

A series of crackdown operations, part of the ongoing "Eagle" campaign initiated by the Guangdong Provincial Department of Public Security, are being executed throughout Shenzhen yesterday and today. Police are expected to deal a heavy blow to criminals so that the city can enjoy a safe festival.

Policemen will also be deployed to important areas in Shenzhen and crime-infested areas to ensure good social safety. Special efforts will be made to target thefts, robberies and organized crimes, the press release said.

"We have made some achievements in ensuring social safety in Shenzhen. Last year, the number of robbery cases in Shenzhen plunged 37.6 percent from the previous year, and the overall crime rate also fell 21.2 percent," said Yu Xinguo, deputy chief of Shenzhen's public security bureau, at yesterday's press conference.

"We should allow no let-up in the fight against crimes. The police still face an arduous task to crack down on organized crimes and maintain a low crime rate, partly because of the large migrant population in the city," Yu said.

To ensure smooth traffic during the Spring Festival travel season, which will last till Feb. 22, the traffic police have assigned nearly 300 policemen to check vehicles, in order to avoid overloading or illegal operations. A team of 120 traffic policemen will form 10 groups to fight against road robbery and extortion.

Restrictions on fireworks will remain in place, although fireworks are considered an important part of the Spring Festival celebration.

"We want to say that the police will make all efforts to keep the city safe, not only during the Spring Festival period, but also in the long run," Yu stressed.

Editor: Yan