According to the Global Times newspaper, the crackdown began in said city under the codename “Electric Storm” and also spread to provinces such as Shanxi, Ningxia Hui and Gansu.

In Tangshan it will last half a month, will involve an increase in patrols, the adoption of a rapid response system to security threats and will seek to eradicate fights, any act of public disorder, intentional attacks and insults to women.

It will also combat practices such as extortion, harassment, illegal gambling, drugs, cybercrime and cover-up by local authorities.

The other provinces will also focus on inspecting night markets, shopping centers and gastronomic establishments such as barbecues.

All these actions are taking place after a video was released showing several gang members beating four women who were sitting at a barbecue in Tangshan early Friday morning.

The men brutally kicked the women and even hit them with chairs as they dragged them across the floor outside the restaurant.

So far nine suspects have been arrested, which has caused great commotion in the country, fueled calls for a strong hand against the criminal gangs that still exist and also about the need to increase the protection of women.

pgh/llp/jf/ymr