The municipal government of Beijing plans to enclose all villages and residential communities in its outlying areas in an attempt to beef up security in the areas densely populated by migrant people.

Beijing News reported the initiative will cover 750 square km, including 450 villages, affecting a population of more than 3.4 million in the Chaoyang, Fengtai, Haidian and Shijingshan Districts.

Statistics showed that the migrant population in these areas is approximately four times the amount of local residents, amounting to almost 2.8 million. The population density makes it difficult to manage security, contributing to a high crime rate.

The project is set to take two years. After its completion, villages and communities will be fenced off and people will be given passes for entry. Visitors will be allowed in after registering at the security gates.

The plan has proven successful in a trial operation in Daxing District, where crime reports have fallen by 46 percent.

Official figures showed Beijing's population topped 18 million earlier this year, with migrants accounting for one third of the total population.

(CRIENGLISH.com August 13, 2010)