The Force is adopting a three-pronged strategy to combat crimes related to renovation of old buildings with prevention and education.
For crime prevention, Organized Crime and Triad Bureau (OCTB) has been chairing an inter-departmental working group comprising representatives from Urban Renewal Authority, Hong Kong Housing Society, Buildings Department, Independent Commission Against Corruption and Home Affairs Department, since the working group launched a publicity campaign - "RenoSafe Scheme" - on September 4 last year. Under the scheme, anti-triad officers at different levels are tasked with the jobs of outreaching old buildings in their Formations; promoting the scheme to residents, incorporated owners and mutual aid committees; establishing a platform for them to seek professional advice; and strengthening the partnership between the Force and homeowners. By February 28, 609 Owners' Corporations have joined the scheme.
For anti-triad units to share experiences of the scheme, OCTB hosted a seminar on "Triad Infiltration into Old Building Renovation" at Police Headquarters on March 11, where the participants made good use of such opportunity to address problems at different angles and exchanged views on how to further promote the scheme to the community.
In his opening address at the seminar, OCTB Superintendent (SP) Kwok Kang-shing said the lucrative nature of major renovation projects might give rise to triad involvement and it was important for the Police to step in early and take proactive measures against any renovation related crimes.
After SP Kang's address, OCTB Chief Inspector Yau Nai-keung gave a presentation, summing up the results of the scheme so far and suggesting various initiatives for the scheme.
The participants also shared their own experiences, good practices, suggestions, and problems of promoting the scheme on the frontline. Senior Inspector Yip Chun-man from the Regional Anti-triad Unit of Kowloon East pointed out that the speakers' presentations offered insightful ideas and innovative approaches for anti-triad units, and the seminar provided a valuable opportunity for the units to exchange views and information.gathering and enforcement.
