BEIJING - China's political and legal authorities have pledged to step up efforts to fight gangs and organized crime to make society feel more secure.

Officials were urged to take a people-centered approach in the nationwide crackdown on gangs and organized crime, according to a statement released after a meeting organized by the Commission for Political and Legal Affairs of the Communist Party of China Central Committee Wednesday.

It urged efforts to maintain momentum in crackdown on gangs and organized crime and ensure that every case can stand the test of history and law.

The statement also called for increased efforts to investigate major gang-related cases and crack the protective "umbrellas" behind them. More efforts should be made to uproot the conditions for gang crime.