A Chinese public security official on Tuesday promised that Beijing will provide a sound and safe environment for the 2008 Olympic Games.

The capabilities of Beijing police have improved markedly, said Yu Xinmin, an official with the Ministry of Public Security.

Last year, 89.4 percent of criminal cases resulting in deaths were solved by Beijing police, the best achievement on record, Yu told a press conference.

Ministry spokesman Wu Heping said, "Beijing police are conscious of their special responsibility and have been working round the clock to fight crime in order to provide a safe Olympics."

Beijing police have launched 24-hour patrols in key areas and populous venues, and tightened security measures in financial departments and higher education institutions.

Information collected from the public and from the 110 emergency helpline has been used to direct police to crime locations, said Wu.

(Xinhua News Agency February 7, 2007)