Paris police chief vows to beef up security for Chinese

PARIS - Paris police officials have vowed to beef up security for Chinese residents and holidaymakers in the French capital, who have become a main target of robberies.

There was a rise in the number of theft and violent robberies targetting Chinese in 2015, according to Paris police chief Michel Cadot, who attended a meeting late Tuesday with representatives of Chinese community and Chinese embassy to address the security issue that worries Chinese.

During the meeting, Codet hoped to closely cooperate with relevant parties and take concrete measures to improve security for the Chinese.

Many robberies targeting Chinese tourists or residents had been committed by young offenders who often got minor punishment under French laws, according to a French police officer who also attended the meeting.

Asians, notably Chinese, were a "top target" for pickpockets because they were believed to carry more cash than other holidaymakers, according to the French police.

Wang Jiaqing, Executive Chairman of the Association of Chinese living in France, said the safety of Chinese residents and their properties were still under threat. Both Wang and his wife were victims of crimes in Paris.

Li Ping, Minister Advisor for Consular Affairs at the Chinese Embassy in France, said the embassy has held 12 meetings with French police on the improvement of Chinese security. He also hoped to further strengthen dialogue and cooperation to ameliorate their protection.