Forty-four civic-minded citizens who helped the Force fight crime were presented with the Good Citizen Award (GCA) at a presentation ceremony on March 21.

Officiating at the ceremony, Director of Operations Tang Ping-keung said that the overall crime figure in 2017 dropped, with the concerted efforts of police officers and the community. The figure was the lowest since 1975. He noted that many citizens are willing to join hands with the Force to fight crime and safeguard the city, making it a safe and stable place to live and work.

He praised the GCA recipients for their exemplary courage and alertness. With their assistance, more than 30 persons were arrested for a variety of offences, including trafficking in a dangerous drug, theft, burglary, possession of offensive weapon and outraging public decency.

Mr Tang thanked the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC) for sponsoring this meaningful award scheme. This encouraged citizens to report crime and stand up for justice. He also expressed his gratitude to members of the Fight Crime Committee (FCC) and 18 District Fight Crime Committees for their contribution in the fight against crime.

Four of the GCA recipients, Mr Chan Tsz-hin, Ms Fung Ka-yan, Mr Heung Yuk-tong and Mr Yip Siu-leung, received the Good Citizen of the Year Award (GCYA). They helped the Force subdue an armed robber at the Hong Kong International Airport in November 2016. The robber was convicted and sentenced to imprisonment for 64 months.

The eldest awardee, Mr Lau Hon-lun, helped intercept a man who robbed a woman's handbag. The man was subsequently convicted of robbery and given a 48-month jail sentence.

The youngest awardee, Mr Khan Hanif, intercepted a man who stole a handbag and helped the victim recover her properties. The man was convicted of theft and sentenced to six months' imprisonment.

All GCA recipients each received a certificate of merit and a cheque for $3,000. Each of the GCYA winners, in addition, was presented with a plaque and a cheque for $4,000. The GCA Scheme, organised by the Police Public Relations Branch and sponsored by the HKGCC, is presented twice a year. More than 4 000 citizens have been commended since the inception of the scheme in 1973.