BEIJING, Sept. 28 -- China's rail authorities launched a nationwide campaign to crack down on thieves and con artists on Sunday ahead of the National Day holiday which begins on Oct. 1.

The move is to ensure a safe journey for travellers in the 7-day holiday travel season, according to a statement from the railway police.

Police officers, including plainclothes ones, will strengthen patrols at train stations, ticket offices and aboard trains.

Notices and brochures to raise awareness and help travellers contact police if needed have also been issued, the statement said.

Railway crimes usually peak before and during holidays. In the past two weeks, railway police in Shanghai alone detained 25 suspects in 28 cases involving items and cash amounting to 176,000 yuan (about 28,700 U.S. dollars), according to the statement.