China's Ministry of Public Security (MPS) said Tuesday less criminal cases and traffic accidents had been recorded on the premises of the country's primary and middle schools in 2006.

Chinese police cracked more than 13,000 criminal cases in which teacher and student's lives or properties were infringed upon. They also dealt with more than 20,000 minor offenses. The total number of cases is 19.7 percent down from 2005.

The number of traffic accidents near the premises of schools decreased by 2,235 cases, 13.7 percent down from a year ago.

Vice Minister of Public Security Liu Jinguo said security on campus was still not good enough. Serious criminal cases like rape and kidnapping were reported in some schools, and some students were extorted money by lawless persons.

Severe traffic accidents were also recorded in 2006, resulting in the loss of precious young lives, he said.

A MPS official said police intensified the crackdown on crimes occurring around schools in 2006 by tightening security control, improving traffic management, strengthening fire control and updating security facilities.

A national survey on security, conducted by the Central Committee for Comprehensive Management of Public Security earlier this month, showed that 47.2 percent respondents thought security around schools was "good", up 2.9 percent from 2005.

The survey polled more than 100,000 people.

Source: Xinhua