GUANGZHOU nearly doubled its police force patrolling the Guangzhou Railway Station in Liuhua area to beef up security for the Spring Festival travel peak.

Some 100 anti-theft plainclothed officers along with other security officials were added to the original 800-man force to make it 1,400, the Southern Metropolis Daily said yesterday.

About half of the 400 deployed at the railway station plaza were equipped with loudspeakers this year to keep order and direct passengers, while in the past, a throat-tranquillizer had been a must-have for patrolling police at the crowded station.

Yuexiu District police also posted 130 newly made road signs near the station for the convenience of passengers. Police said fewer crimes were reported in the area compared to same period last year.

Editor: Yan