Cops nab 13 metro molesters

The city's metro police have arrested 13 people this year suspected of molesting female passengers on the subway, police said Tuesday.

The arrests have come as metro police have increased patrols as part of a broader effort to strengthen subway security, including taking a heavier hand at inspection stations.

Police arrested the 13 suspects for violations including groping and taking photographs up women's skirts, according to a metro police press release.

Last month, a video circulated widely online showing a young man who slid his left hand under his right arm to grab the breast of a woman sitting beside him on the subway. The woman, who appeared to be in her 20s, squirmed in her seat, but did not confront the man or otherwise protest. The clip caused a stir among Internet users.

The woman eventually contacted police. A 36-year-old man surnamed Ling later turned himself in to police and was placed in administrative detention.

In another case, a 28-year-old man surnamed Shen got caught taking photos up a woman's skirt on an elevator. The woman ran after Shen, shouting for help. Officers arrested him before he could escape. He was also placed in administrative detention.

Police reminded female passengers to remain wary on elevators and in crowded subway trains.

They advised women to shout for help and seek assistance from police or other passengers if they are harassed.

Metro police have also become stricter with passengers who refuse to allow subway security guards to inspect their personal belongings.

A 35-year-old woman surnamed Cai was detained after she refused to put her belongings through the security scanner, then hit the security staff, according to the press release.

Police have also caught 64 wanted criminal suspects on the subway this year, including a 25-year-old man who was wanted in Guizhou Province for theft, according to the press release.

Security staff have found nearly 23,000 dangerous items during security inspections this year, including 88 liters of gasoline and alcohol, and 322 knives.