China plans to set up a special police division to tackle organised crime and gang-related violence as its slowing economy deepens social unrest.
State media says gang-related crime has become a threat to the country's stability and economy as the world economic crisis makes itself felt in China.
An official was quoted as saying the Public Security Ministry plans to set up a special division to fight such crimes, including organised prostitution, gambling and drug trafficking.
Figures from China's top court show that gang-related crime in 2007 was up by 161% on the previous year.
