Overall law and order situation remained stable in 2006

The overall law and order situation remained stable in 2006 with an increase of 4.8 per cent in the overall crime, according to the Commissioner of Police, Mr Tang King-shing.

Speaking at a press conference today (January 25) to review the crime situation in Hong Kong last year, Mr Tang said, "During the period, a total of 81,125 cases of crime were recorded, representing a rise of 4.8 per cent when compared with 77,437 cases in 2005."

Mr Tang said the detection rate was 44.6 per cent, a slight increase by 0.3 per cent when compared with 2005.

There were a total of 14,847 cases of violent crime recorded last year, a 6.9 per cent increase when compared with 13,890 cases in 2005.

Noting that there was a higher margin of increase in the number of crimes such as bank robbery (up 53.3 per cent), arson (up 20.6 per cent), serious narcotics offences (up 19.2 per cent), criminal intimidation (up 18.5 per cent) and deception (up 16.7 per cent), Mr Tang said Police spared no efforts in the fight against these crimes.

Other crimes such as pickpocketing (down 18.4 per cent), blackmail (down 6.3 per cent), robbery (down 6 per cent), snatching (down 8.4 per cent) and burglary (down 3.2 per cent) all recorded a notable decrease.

Mr Tang pointed out that although an increase in bank robbery was noted in 2006, the total number of robbery cases, in fact, decreased by 6 per cent to 1,572 cases. During the year, there was only one case of robbery with genuine firearms and goldsmith shop robbery respectively, representing a drop of 66.7 per cent and 85.7 per cent.

He said it was worth noting that the number of juveniles (aged 10 - 15) and young persons (aged 16 - 20) arrested for crimes saw a drop of 0.5 per cent and a rise of 4.1 per cent respectively.

"The situation remains more or less the same as in 2005," said Mr Tang, adding that the crimes committed by them were mostly miscellaneous and shop theft, wounding and serious assault, etc.

Introducing the seven operational priorities for this year, Mr Tang said the contents were revised commensurate with the crime trend last year and the views of the frontline commanders.

"The primary duty of the Police is to ensure strong police presence, both uniformed and plain-clothes, particularly at high-risk premises. We will also promptly and professionally respond to all reports of violent crime, including domestic violence."

"Police will strengthen intelligence-led operations in targetting criminals and their organised activities by mounting strategic undercover and covert operations," he said.

In the fight against triad activities, Mr Tang said Police had strengthened intelligence network with the Mainland, Macau, and overseas law enforcement agencies to enhance the capacity to address triad-related crime. Police would target triad personalities and activities, including youth gangs, and mounted strategic undercover operations to give a severe blow to the sources of triad income.

Turning to the crackdown on "quick cash crimes", the Commissioner said robbery, snatching, street deception and various theft cases remained the combating targets. "We will step up our publicity campaigns on fight crime to enhance public awareness of crime prevention."

On anti-terrorism, Mr Tang said the Force would strengthen intelligence work, conduct regular exercise and provide timely risk assessments in connection with major events to promote the community awareness in combating acts of terrorism.

To combat trafficking and abuse of dangerous drugs, Mr Tang said Police would strengthen co-operation in operations with the Mainland authority and overseas law enforcement agencies to stop the flow of illicit drugs. A multi-agency approach will be adopted to prevent the misuse of drugs, particularly amongst young people.

Turning to the offences related to vistors and illegal immigrants, Mr Tang said the Force would implement strategies to address theft, pickpocketing and street deception and would also target illegal syndicated activities, particularly prostitution.

On road safety front, Mr Tang said Police would take enforcement action through "Selective Traffic Enforcement Policy", commensurate with the prevailing accident trends and causation factors to ensure smooth traffic and the safety of road users .

"We will take stringent enforcement actions against reckless drivers and oversee the introduction of additional red-light and speed enforcement camera systems," he added.

Also attending the press conference to review the law and order situation in 2006 were the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Management), Mr Fung Siu-yuen, and Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Mr Yam Tat-wing.


Police Report No. 5

Ends/Thursday, January 25, 2007