As China increases its surveillance camera network, a community in East China is already being watched very closely.

A total of 247 security cameras cover the 15 high-rise apartment complex in the city of Yancheng, Jiangsu Province.

High-definition cameras fixed on building tops offer bird's-eye views of the grounds.

"Some tenants had complained that people had been dropping things from their windows that would hit people below," explained property manager Li Zhidong.

"Now we'll see very clearly who is throwing what."

The complex of around 1,000 residents upgraded the surveillance system in 2017 after residents complained the cameras were not clear enough.

"Things like parking lot fender benders and people dropping things wouldn't be resolved because we didn't have evidence," said Li.

The new system, Li believes, has been an effective deterrent against crime. "We've used it for three months and so far not a single break-in."

China is no stranger to surveillance cameras. With more than 20 million closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras, China is home to the world's largest monitoring network.

Modern Express