Tourists who are strolling around the city landmarks in Shanghai might be surprised to come across Italian policemen this month.

Starting July 18 through July 29, Italian police officers will join Shanghai public security police officers to carry out patrol tasks in Lujiazui, the Bund, Yuyuan Garden, Xintiandi, Jing’an Temple and other city landmarks. They will also show up in several metro stations, including People’s Square, Xujiahui, terminals of the Shanghai Pudong International Airport and other densely populated areas around the city. This marks the second time Italian police have patrolled in China.

In each squad, two Italian policemen will be paired up with two Shanghai policemen. During the patrol, the Italian officers also provide help for Italian tourists.

Recent years have witnessed the strengthening of friendship between China and Italy. And the interpersonal exchanges have become more frequent. To further safeguard the safety of overseas citizens from both countries, a cooperation agreement has been signed, in accordance with which China’s Ministry of Public Security has dispatched three teams of Chinese police officers to Italy for joint patrol three times, in May or June of 2016, 2017 and 2018. The Chinese policemen were responsible for dealing with the safety of Chinese tourists and emigrants. In return, in April 2017, four Italian police officers were invited to China to patrol with Chinese policemen in Beijing and Shanghai.

So, in case you happen across them, be ready to greet them with a friendly “Ciao”, or if you see a thief making off with a Gucci handbag， you can call “Al ladro!” and a determined Italian policeman may just give chase.