BEIJING - China is deepening its national fight against criminal gangs, a senior official with the crackdown said Wednesday.

Liao Jinrong, deputy head of China's national office for fighting criminal gangs and a senior official with the Ministry of Public Security, said criminal organizations should be rooted out in order to minimize their influence and guard social stability.

Criminal gangs, usually active in the wholesale market, construction and transport sectors, are among the worst social evils that the public has long complained about, according to Liao.

China's next step will involve strengthening its fight by improving strategies and mechanisms, upgrading laws and soliciting more public support, the official said.

A total of 2,174 criminal gangs have been uncovered since the country launched a long-term campaign against such groups in February 2006, according to the ministry's latest statistics.