GUANGZHOU: Security guard Wang Bao'an walked leisurely during the rush hours yesterday, as a growing number of people passed through the booming Teemall area in this southern mainland city.

"It used to be a place where robberies occurred frequently. But since May 12 when a devastating earthquake hit Sichuan province, I've been encountering fewer such cases here," Wang said.

Watching people getting on buses in order, Wang said: "Look, they have become more aware of public order."

Social order in the city, to some degree, has improved after the quake, said Wang.

"Moreover, I have seen fewer beggars on the streets during the past two weeks," he added.

"Maybe robbers and beggars are still in shock. But in my opinion, all they can think of right now is to help the victims in Sichuan," he said.

According to the Guangzhou Public Security Bureau, the number of criminal cases dropped five percent last week.

"Most of the calls we received in the past week were not related to crimes, but fires and traffic accidents," said an official surnamed Gong with the bureau.

Local resident Ye Shiguang, 51, who lives in a 2,000-household community, agreed that law and order has improved recently.

"All my neighbors went to the community center to donate money and other daily necessities to the quake victims," Ye said.

"At a special time like this, the atmosphere simply drives people to do good deeds," said Ye, adding so far he had not heard of any crimes in his neighborhood.

Du Huizheng, a professor with the Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, attributed the improved social situation to the spirit of love brought by the disaster.

"I think everyone, including regular criminals, has been moved by the quake and the spirit of getting the nation united," she said.

"The devastating quake could really teach us to extend our love and care to others," she added.

(HK Edition 05/30/2008 page1)