Police in north China's Hebei province, neighboring Beijing, have set up special checkpoints to stop and search vehicles to ensure security ahead of the Olympics.

From Thursday, police in Hebei would be deployed at 26 checkpoints on major highways leading to Beijing, said Zheng Yuhai, an official with the Hebei provincial public security department.

Zheng said police officers would spot check vehicles heading to and from the capital, and patrol surrounding areas. The number of police at each checkpoint would vary from fewer than five to dozens.

On Wednesday, Hebei police distributed new equipment, including batons, tear gas sprayers, warning lights, and emergency cutting tools to the officers at checkpoints.

Other new equipment included stab-proof vests and special water containers.

Pan Jingsu, an officer with the department's equipment finance subdivision, said the new equipment would enhance the protection, crime-fighting and emergency aid abilities of the force.

Similar gear would be distributed to other personnel in the province before the start of the Games.

The provincial police department set up headquarters for Olympic security work, headed by Zhang Yue, the department director, at the beginning of this year.

The headquarters has two special subdivisions for safety work during the Olympic torch relay, and at the Qinhuangdao City, which will host some football events during the Games.

Meanwhile, the department launched "Project Moat" to ensure security for the Olympics. It will see an intensive crack-down on robbery and theft, drugs, and illegal use of explosives and guns before the Games.

(Xinhua News Agency February 29, 2008)