Beijing police rewards terror informants

Beijing police have rewarded a citizen who provided terror and crime tip-offs, in a move to encourage more people to help fight against terrorism.

A resident surnamed Zhang was rewarded with 10,000 yuan (about $1,613) on Monday for providing information on gasoline bootlegging in the capital's Daxing District. Based on his tip-off, police seized four suspects on Saturday.

"Sale of gasoline without a permit is prohibited since this chemical is dangerous and can be easily used by terrorists," said a municipal public security bureau spokesman.

Three informants including Zhang have been rewarded with 50,000 yuan for providing information on gasoline bootlegging.

Meanwhile, police are offering 50,000 yuan to those who provide tip-offs on illegal activities of printing books on extremism, selling knives banned by police, and making explosive devices.

The spokesman said Beijing police have received more than 100 anti-terror tip-offs since it issued an announcement in February to reward terror informants. Among them, seven pieces of information helped the police in countering terrorism and maintaining social security.

Police said more incentives will be offered and informants' identities will be kept confidential.

Other cities including Shenzhen, Wuhan, Harbin and Suzhou all have such policies.