A 1,200-man strong plainclothes team was officially established by the city's public security bureau Tuesday, to combat street crimes such as theft, robbery, fraud and drug dealing.

The officers, who will wear everyday clothes instead of uniform, will be deployed across the city, especially in public places such as railway and bus stations, hotels, restaurants and busy business districts. Their deployment could be adjusted later in response to reports to the 110 emergency hotline.

Ma Xichu, deputy director of the bureau's criminal police unit, said Beijing had comparatively low crime rate, but it still witnessed a large number of street crimes.

"This special team will be an essential supplement to the city's existing police force," he said. "It'll help reduce street crime as offenders won't be able to identify plainclothes officers."

Ma said the team would help keep order during the China-Africa Co-operation Forum next month.

He said more than 4,000 foreign guests would gather in Beijing during the forum, and ensuring their safety was the bureau's responsibility.

Beijing currently only has about 600 plainclothes officers. Setting up the new team marked the establishment of a systematic working mechanism of plainclothes police in Beijing, said Ma.

All plainclothes officers are required to have at least three years' police experience in the city, they also undergo special training before joining the team.

Ma said plainclothes officers would be allowed to carry weapons, including guns, if necessary.

The team has also received positive response from residents. Seven of out 10 people surveyed by China Daily said it would make them feel safer.

However, one resident surnamed Zhou, questioned whether the officers might be tempted to abuse their power. "The bureau should issue detailed supervision regulations for plainclothes officers," he said. "And only 1,200 plainclothes is far from enough for a city with over 10 million inhabitants."