BEIJING - Chinese Vice Minister of Public Security Huang Ming has ordered a "high-handed crackdown" on crimes involving minors in order to safeguard social stability.

Huang ordered police to investigate and destroy criminal gangs that "violate the interests of minors" and intervene to prevent children from being forced into criminal activities, the ministry said in a statement on its website on Saturday.

Huang made the remarks at a teleconference called by the State Council, or cabinet, on Friday, the statement said.

The vice minister called on police to beef up community patrols in order to ensure street children are protected from those who attempt to prey on them, the statement said.

Protecting street children from the multitude of threats they face will be a "complex and arduous" task, according to Vice Premier Hui Liangyu, who spoke at the conference on better protection for homeless minors.

Hui believes providing assistance and protection for street children is vital to the goal of strengthening social management and building a harmonious society.

To reduce juvenile delinquency and protect the interests of minors, the State Council issued a circular on Thursday in which it promised to severely crack down on crimes involving children while giving more pro-active assistance to street children.

Efforts will be made to help street children return to their guardians and obtain legal assistance if their rights are violated, according to the circular.

Street orphans will be placed in the care of welfare institutions or foster families if their guardians cannot be found, it stated.