China beefs up security below Everest Beijing, November 25: China’s border police have significantly beefed up their presence at the base of Mount Everest amid rising visitor numbers, state media reported today. The influx of people to the area has brought increased crime to the north face of Everest, and Chinese authorities last year pledged to boost the police presence following reports of thefts of food, oxygen tanks and climbing gear. A former police post housed in a trailer has been upgraded to a full police station, complete with a modern 1,800-square-metre facility, according to a report on the Tibet Daily’s website. It said the station was manned by more than 20 border police personnel, but didn’t say how big an increase that was over the previous number. The report said the station had opened recently but gave no exact date and calls to the border police command in Lhasa rang unanswered. The officers are charged with securing the border, aiding area residents and visitors, and combating crime.