BEIJING -- China witnessed a 25.7-percent decline in criminal cases in 2024 compared to the previous year, the Ministry of Public Security said on Friday, which marks China's fifth national police day.

Cases of public security remained largely unchanged, and the overall public safety situation remained stable, the ministry told a press conference.

Road traffic safety across the country was stable, with no major traffic accidents reported for 63 consecutive months, the ministry noted.

In 2024, a total of 11,700 criminal cases of various types were solved, the ministry noted. Additionally, it said that 22,000 cases related to firearms and explosives were cracked, resulting in a 37.5 percent year-on-year decline.

Public security authorities solved over 17,000 cases related to food and drug safety crimes across the country, according to the ministry, adding that police solved more than 78,000 economic crimes, recovering 30.67 billion yuan (about $4.27 billion) in financial losses.

Additionally, 38,000 drug-related cases were cracked by Chinese police, with 24.4 tonnes of various drugs seized, the ministry added.

On the frontlines of fighting crime and safeguarding public safety, 208 police officers lost their lives in the line of duty in 2024, according to the ministry.

It noted that 174 auxiliary police officers died at their posts during the year.

In addition, 4,743 police officers and 3,710 auxiliary police officers suffered injuries while performing their duties.