Shanghai’s police are in a huge drive to combat local gangs as China looks to put its foot down on violent and extortionate crimes, as reported by Shine.
In Jiading district, 148 entertainment venues that do not hold business licenses were closed after being implicated as ‘protective umbrellas’ that have sheltered gangs from the law.
According to the report, law enforcement in Jiading district noted that cases relating to blackmail and infringement of personal rights have dropped by an average of 20% per month since the beginning of 2018.
Even more important in regard to China’s strict no narcotics policies, the number of cases involving drugs has also fallen by 31.8% on average per month.
In Xuhui district, 15,000 volunteers have been urged to report crimes through an app or through WeChat. This tech-based program has been responsible for resolving over 83 incidents regarding prostitution and gambling and detaining 143 gang members.
One Jiading businessman, identified as Chen, has welcomed the reforms after being terrorized by gangs throughout recent years, telling Shine “I used to pay a protection fee to the gangsters every time I transported vegetables into the market. But now they’re nowhere in sight, and the market feels safer.”
In Jiading, where 70% of Shanghai’s vegetables are sold, police say they have seized dangerous weapons such as machetes from gang members who were terrifying local businessmen and women.
READ MORE: Multiple Shanghai Venues Closed By Authorities Until Further Notice
Chinese authorities have been cracking down on gang-related crime nationwide, as part of an ongoing campaign against illegal activities.
[Cover image via Pixabay]
0 User Comments