BEIJING, March 23 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Public Security Friday urged police to step up the fight against piracy, focusing on software, CDs and DVDs.

    A circular from the ministry said the fight against piracy was still very arduous, and should be a priority for public security departments nationwide.

    Public security departments would encourage and offer rewards for information on piracy crimes, and endeavor to arrest the organizers and ringleaders of the piracy crimes, said the circular.

    The security departments would also strengthen checks on printing companies, and CD and DVD production companies.

    Law enforcement agencies launched a 100-day nationwide campaign against pirated audio and video products and computer software from July 15 to late October last year.

    Police seized 19.46 million illegal publications each month on average from July through September, more than double the monthly average for January to June last year.