The move reveals the resolve of the Chinese capital's police to crack down on the rise in gambling activities and other social evils, said Zou Yanping, a police official from the Public Security Bureau.

Since this January, Beijing police have carried out a campaign to crack down on illegal operations and criminal activities in public recreational places, which threaten the public security of Beijing.

"We will step up our efforts to monitor the running of public recreational places, and will not let any illegal activities pass," said Zou.

(People's Daily February 24, 2003)