All 3,060 key facilities in Shanghai will have set up a strong security system by the end of this month, the Oriental Morning Post reported today.

Security guards at such facilities are required to receive professional training and earn a special pass before starting duty.

At present, there are 12,359 security guards at these key facilities such as banks, jewelry stores and water plants. About 68 percent of these guards are full-time employees.

However, some security networks are badly structured and others are understaffed, the report said.

"Such situations will change by the end of this month. Every key facility will have a special defense department and adequate security staff. It will be the first line of defense in maintaining safety,'' a city security official told the newspaper.

At present, Shanghai has installed more than 50,000 alarm systems, 60,000 detectors and 180,000 surveillance cameras at key sites, the report said.

More than 3,200 schools have been equipped with alarm systems, anti-theft systems and telephones with caller ID. A total of 4,192 financial and banking outlets have reached the security standards set by the Ministry of Public Security, the report said.

``It is also essential to strengthen safety measures at some key venues that store radioactive chemicals or lots of money,'' the official told the newspaper.

Since 2006, financial organizations in the city have spent a combined 223 million yuan (US$31.9 million) on the installment of security networks. There are 114,925 surveillance cameras, 9,577 hard-disc recorders, 30,973 detectors and 25,039 emergency alarm buttons, the report said.

In addition, police and other security departments have conducted safety inspections at key facilities. In the first four months of this year, police officers have discovered more than 1,000 hidden perils, 700 of which have been rectified. The other 300 will be improved within a short period, the report said.

(Shanghai Daily July 2, 2008)