Beijing holds safety drive in preparation for Olympics

Police officers demonstrate self-protection tips during a campaign to raise awareness on security issues before IOC's evaluation on Beijing for the Winter Olympics bid. （Photo/Chinanews.com）

As Beijing's 2022 Winter Olympics bid enters the final phase, local residents took part in a campaign to raise awareness on security issues, in a west Beijing community on Wednesday.

The drive, which was organized by Beijing Public Security Bureau, saw police officers share tips on attending major sporting events with more than 50 local residents at Yidali community.

Members of Beijing's SWAT teams also carried out drills on self-protection and emergency security protocols on stampedes that might occur during big events.

Other safety tips covering prohibited items, pick pocketing, fire drills were conveyed through a street theater in which both residents and police officers took part.

"A safe and orderly local environment is a must for holding any major event smoothly, especially something as big as the Olympic Games. We should all do our part to ensure security during the games," said Li Guoping, a community police officer, at Yidali.

After an inspection visit to Almaty in Kazakhstan, which is also bidding for the Games, in February, the International Olympic Committee will send its evaluation team to examine the preparation of Beijing and its co-host city Zhangjiakou from March 24 to 28.