Shanghai moped thieves targeted

SHANGHAI: Police launched a major crackdown on thieves who target mopeds and motorcycles yesterday.

Last year, thefts of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) mopeds, electric bikes and motorcycles made up more than 10 percent of all crimes reported, 2.2 percent higher than in 2007.

"LPG moped and motorcycle thefts increased the most, 9.6 and 8.2 percent respectively," Bao Zhiming, an officer with crime investigation department of Shanghai municipal public security bureau, said.