Between 2018 and 2020, Kowloon East (KE) Region recorded a substantial increase in youth crime as well as a rising trend of youth falling victim to cybercrime. The tender age of the youth involved is a cause for concern.

In view of the situation, a cross-sectoral focus group, namely KE Multi-Discipline Focus Group on Youth Involvement in Crime, was formed in February 2021 to foster concerted effort in formulating comprehensive crime prevention and youth engagement action plans. The focus group comprises regional and district management in KE Region, representatives from the Education Bureau and the Social Welfare Department, stakeholders from non-governmental organisations and school principals.

During the first meeting, members of the focus group undertook to establish district-based communication platforms to facilitate cross-profession information and intelligence exchange, formulate targeted follow-up actions and render collaborative efforts in disseminating crime prevention information to the youth. KE Region will continue to foster multi-profession synergy in combating youth crime and protecting the youth from falling prey to prevalent crimes.

Regional Commander of Kowloon East Lui Kam-ho (second left) and members of the focus group exchange views on ways to combat youth crime.

Commander of Tseung Kwan O District Mark Anstiss (third left) discusses youth crime issues with members of the focus group.