Surveillance cameras are seen over a road in Beijing. (File photo)
(ECNS) - Beijing police said on Sunday there are more than 30,000 surveillance cameras positioned throughout the city to help curb "immoral" and illegal activities, according to the Beijing Times on Monday.
Images from the cameras were previously used to help with searches or to confirm evidence, police said. However, camera surveillance is now integrated with patrols to form a monitoring network that helps police proactively spot and fight crime.
The cameras are ranked according to three levels. Level-one cameras are responsible for monitoring core areas and critical streets in each district around the clock, including Wangfujing, Xi Dan, Financial Street and Dongda Street.
Second-level cameras watch business streets, traffic stations and high-risk areas like shopping malls and bus stops during rush hour.
Level-three cameras monitor other streets and blind spots on an irregular basis
Camera surveillance helped police get a jump on the infamous "Wangfujing robbery" case on March 16, when a suspect was arrested just 22 minutes after the crime. Police also arrested a repeat offender on Jan 20 with the help of cameras.
