Volunteers assist in Beijing's safety

Beijing residents are playing an increasingly important role in helping police keep the city safe, according to the capital's security authorities.

Over the past 10 years, volunteers have provided vital tips that have prevented crimes and maintained public order, the city government's Political and Legal Affairs Commission said.

By the end of last year, 850,000 residents had registered with the commission as "safety volunteers", with the actual number closer to about 1.4 million, the authority said in a statement.