In a bid to reduce the number of thefts, Beijing police on Tuesday for the first time named ten bus routes most prone to pickpockets.

The Municipal Public Security Bureau wants passengers to take better care of their belongings and has released the list drawn from analysis of recent pickpocket cases, as well as reports received at the city's anti-pickpocket hotline.

Among the listed bus routes are No. 9, which connects the city's two busiest railway stations, and No. 728, which travels across the city.

Police said passengers taking such long-distance bus trips are likely to fall asleep, making them easy targets for pickpockets.

The items most likely to be snatched by pickpockets are mobile phones, cash and bank cards, but also include gold necklaces which thieves try stealing on crowded buses.

Pickpocket thefts are most likely to happen during the 7 to 9 AM and 6 to 8 PM rush hours, when people are traveling between home and work.

Besides the list, police are also encouraging witnesses to report robberies to the city's anti-pickpocket hotline at 6401 1327.

The ten named bus routes are:

9, 57, 701, 707, 728, 44, 300, 302, 808, and the Bus Rapid Transit route between Qianmen and Demaozhuang in Daxing district.

(CRIENGLISH.com July 4, 2007)