There are nine million bicycles in Beijing, according to Katie Melua. There are also an estimated 1.1 million security cameras in that city.

Beijing’s extensive surveillance network – backed up by a very visible police presence - is one of the strategies used by the city for deterring crime.

General crime and anti-social behaviour (as we experience it here in Ireland) is reportedly very low there, and the incidence of violent crime is even lower.

Spitting in public, littering, and dogs being walked without leads appear to be some of the main concerns. These are, enviably, categorised as “black-listed behaviours”.

Don’t get me wrong. I’d hate to live my life under such micro-surveillance, but is that what it takes to get people to behave these days?

Seriously?

Most of us would like to live in a society which does not feature constant knifings or the anti-social behaviour and casual vandalism that has become the norm.

In towns and cities, random, unprovoked, vicious assaults are frequently carried out by perpetrators who fail to demonstrate any fear of consequences. Once you’re down, the first thing they’ll aim their boots at is your head.

Most of us could also do without the open drug dealing, the drinking, and the public brawling.

We could happily live without the atmosphere of unease, which is often exacerbated by the lack of a visible police presence on the streets.

Pedestrians........

© Evening Echo