Speeding
Speed enforcement cameras that are rotated among several locations along Tolo Highway have proved to be a useful deterrent. During the year, the cameras captured more than 17 000 speeding vehicles. Another measure put on trial in 2000 was alternate strengthening and relaxation of speed checks along highways, aimed at keeping drivers alert to the need to maintain speed limits.

Customer Satisfaction
Tai Po Division, along with Tin Shui Wai, was chosen as a pilot Division for a 'Customer Satisfaction Survey' organised by NTN and the Government Efficiency Unit. The survey was considered a great success, and its outcome encouraging with more than 60 per cent of interviewees being 'rather satisfied' with the police service and 24 per cent being 'very satisfied'. The survey has now been extended to Tuen Mun District where both Tuen Mun and Castle Peak Divisions will conduct surveys.

Illegal Immigration
The year saw continued improvement in equipment and the capabilities of Border District to meet its core objective — to prevent illegal immigration.

Each of the three Border Control Points now utilises a computerised TV surveillance system designed to help detect IIs clinging to the underside of vehicles. The system replaces the former visual checks, which were both manpower intensive and, because of the diesel fumes, unhealthy for the personnel carrying them out.

In addition, two state-of-the-art fixed site thermal imagers were installed along the boundary to significantly improve coverage of incursion blackspots during the hours of darkness, thereby releasing personnel for other duties. Another project, due for completion in 2001, is a $42 million updated sensor system running the length of the fence that can detect climbers and cutters, and incorporates a remote surveillance system.

Much of the success in stemming the flow of IIs results from the close working relationship between the security force on either side of the boundary. Regular meetings are held at which the Deputy District Commander acts as the Force Border Liaison Officer.

Enhanced Productivity
The amalgamation of the original three Divisions in Tuen Mun District into two Divisions was completed in April 2000. Included as a project under the Government's Enhanced Productivity Programme, the new set-up has improved efficiency and cost effectiveness within both the divisional and district command structures, and allows better deployment of available manpower resources. The amalgamation resulted in the deletion of a number of supervisory and civilian posts, saving about $8 million per year in salary costs.

Most importantly, people living in the District will receive a better police service. Parts of NTN's EU and Traffic Unit are now housed in the former Tai Hing Police Station, bringing improved response times to emergency calls and overall operational efficiency. Traffic accident reporting facilities will also be available in the Tai Hing Reporting Centre and this 'one-stop' service will again benefit the local community.

In a similar but smaller scale exercise, the amalgamation of Lau Fau Shan Sub-Division, including Tsim Bei Tsui, with Tin Shui Wai Division in May 2000 has enabled most of the sub-division's police resources to be allocated to frontline duties. The move has brought significant improvements in service to the Tin Shui Wai community with no detrimental effect on policing in the Lau Fau Shan area.

New Territories South Region
The New Territories South (NTS) Region covers a large land area ranging from the mainly industrial areas of Kwai Tsing and Tsuen Wan through to the residential areas of Sha Tin as well as rural Lantau. It also encompasses the Kwai Chung Container Terminal, Hong Kong International Airport at Chek Lap Kok and the Jockey Club Shatin Racecourse.

Overall Crime
In 2000, the total number of crimes reported in NTS decreased by 7.2 per cent, while violent crime was down by 14.6 per cent to 2 249 cases, the lowest figure for the past five years.

There were also fewer robberies and burglaries, down 17.8 per cent and 4.3 per cent respectively, and debt-collection related cases fell back a significant 38.6 per cent. Serious narcotics offences decreased slightly, although the number of arrests for all drug offences increased by about 21 per cent.

NTS achieved a commendable detection rate of 47 per cent on all crimes reported.

Youth Crime
The Region arrested four per cent more juvenile offenders than in 1999, most of the students involved in shoplifting, miscellaneous thefts, wounding or assault cases. Drug-related arrests increased by 178.6 per cent while the number of juveniles arrested for being or suspected to be triad members in 2000 was up 39.1 per cent.

To combat this trend, the NTS Juvenile Crime Working Group was restructured in November 2000 to focus on remedies for these problems. Currently, Regional Headquarters and Districts in NTS are undertaking eight juvenile crime initiatives. Most of them have adopted a multi-agency approach involving other government departments, NGOs and District Fight Crime Committees.

To tackle the problem of psychotropic drugs abuse among juveniles in NTS, officers mounted a number of successful covert operations in dance halls and discos in entertainment districts. The operations resulted in the arrest of 20 young people and a large seizure of ecstasy.

Operations
In October 1999, an anti-triad operation was mounted in Tsuen Wan area to tackle the expansion of triad societies. The operation, which turned overt in July 2000, successfully infiltrated a triad society resulting in the arrest of more than 20 triad personalities who were involved in various illegal activities. The successful implementation had an immediate, sustained and beneficial impact on law and order in Tsuen Wan District.

In December 2000, NTS neutralised a major gun and robbery syndicate following in-depth investigation into an armed robbery that occurred in mid-June, during which four hooded males armed with, inter-alia, two pistol-like objects and one rifle-like object, rushed into a goldsmith in Tai Wai and escaped with $395,608.84 worth of jewellery; no one was injured and no shots were fired. Subsequent enquiries resulted in the arrest of five persons, two of whom were charged. One China-made, type 79 submachine gun (never before seized in the Force's history) and two home-made pistols together with 37 rounds of ammunition, including four armour-piercing bullets, were seized along with 26 BNO passports, six HK ID cards and some stolen jewellery. It is believed that the action had foiled an impending armed robbery, as indicated by intelligence.