Big rewards for Olympic tip-offs

By Li Xinran and Yang Lifei  |   2008-7-11  |     ONLINE EDITION

BEIJING police are offering rewards of up to 500,000 yuan (US$73,161) for information about terrorist plots or sabotage involving the Olympic Games.

The rewards are to "mobilize the enthusiasm of the masses in maintaining public security as well as eliminating threats to the Olympic Games", an official notice stated.

People can send information by phoning, writing, faxing or by just going to a local public security bureau.

The lowest reward amount will be 10,000 yuan.

The notice said the information had to be substantial and concern terrorist attacks, sabotage by illegal organizations or cults such as the Falun Gong, threats on the lives of Olympic participants, or major security breaches or crimes.

The People's Liberation Army, the Navy and the Air Force are prepared for the Games, said Tian Yixiang, military chief of the Beijing Olympic Games Security Protection Coordinating Group.

Missile launchers have been assigned to the Bird's Nest National Stadium. Any perceived threats to Games venues from the air will be shot down.

The Navy will ensure security at sea with the coastal city Qingdao hosting sailing events.

Special task forces have also been trained to deal with nuclear or biochemical attacks.

Security staff are guarding 90 sports venues, 110 designated hotels, 700 kilometers of sports track, the Olympic athlete village and 2,000 sites for other games activities.

From the beginning of next week every vehicle coming to Beijing will undergo a security check.

Hundreds of check points will be set up at the road entrances to Beijing, ring roads and downtown to ensure a safe Olympic Games, according to a Beijing Times report.

Each vehicle entering the capital during the Games will be checked electronically and by sniffer dogs.

Bus passengers traveling to Beijing will have their ID cards and belongings checked from July 20.