Police will begin a five-month nationwide campaign from May for better public security in the run-up to the 60th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, Vice-Minister of Public Security Zhang Xinfeng said yesterday.

The aim of the campaign is to ensure "a harmonious social environment" for the celebrations on Oct 1, Zhang said during a teleconference of the Ministry of Public Security. The campaign will highlight the eradication and prevention of crimes to maintain social order.

Police authorities across the country must focus on cracking major cases involving gangs, wanted criminals and serial offenders, and prevent such cases from recurring.