Police in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, northwest China, has stepped up crackdown on criminal activities to safeguard stability and public security.

The anti-crime action will be carried out across the region from the beginning of November to the end of the year, said a spokesman for the regional public security bureau Monday.

Local police will continue manhunt to nab suspects in connection with the July 5 riot in Urumqi, the regional capital. Meanwhile police will keep a close eye on clues and cases involving terrorism and explosions, said the spokesman.

The strike also targets criminal activities involving infringement of finance and properties and criminal activities threatening public security, the spokesman said.

(Xinhua News Agency November 3, 2009)