As Jan 10 marked the 29th anniversary of launching the "110" police calling system in China, Harbin’s public security authority has started off a campaign in the city’s landmark Zhongyang Street, also referred to as Central Avenue, to help increase the awareness for citizens’ own self-protection.

It also informed the citizens about the achievements it has made in its fight against illegal activities and how the “110” police calling system in Harbin helped protect the people.

Residents in the city can ask for help from police by dialing “110”. They will receive step by step instructions on the phone to help them with their problems and how the security authorities would attend to them.

The local authority does not recommend sending sms text messages to report any problems to the police except for those cases that are not so urgent or people with hearing impairment or speech impediment doing so. They can send text message to “121100451” when they need assistance from police.

They can also follow a local Wechat public account ”Harbin 110” to ask for help on non-emergency daily life issues from the police.

Residents in the city’s six districts, Daoli, Daowai, Nangang, Xiangfang and Pingfang, can report to the police with 3G video phone for free.

Residents who receive suspected call or text message scams can call “96345” to help identify scammers.