BEIJING - Crimes involving explosives have decreased markedly in China, according to the Ministry of Public Security on Saturday.

The explosive criminal cases dropped by 22.9 percent annually from 2000 to 2012. The figure reduced 26.1 percent year on year so far this year, the ministry said.

Since the start of the year, China has dealt with 2,602 cases illegally producing, trading, transporting and storing explosives. It has confiscated 998 tonnes explosives and 276 tonnes black powder, and shut down 178 relevant illicit websites, the ministry said.

China has carried out severe crackdown on crimes involving guns and explosives, which is a magic key to protect people's lives and properties, the ministry said.

The ministry has recently issued a circular with four relevant departments to combat crimes relating to dangerous explosives.

The circular bans illegal production, trading, transporting and storing of explosives and highly toxic and flammable chemicals, adding that those who fail to abide by the regulation will be punished.

The circular reiterates that people who voluntarily hand in illegal explosives before October 31 2013, will receive mitigation or exemption from punishment, while those who refuse to obey will be severely punished.

The ministry also encouraged the public to report clues of crimes relating to illegal possession of guns and explosives, with rewards provided by public security bureaus at all levels.