To reduce the prevalence of unlicensed dealing in mobile phones, crime officers and the Office of the Telecommunications Authority (OFTA) mounted a joint operation in October and December 2000, which resulted in some 20 people being arrested and charged. As a consequence, all 98 unlicensed shops in the Region quickly applied for valid licences and illegal trading activity has been contained to small scale operations among several mobile hawkers.

International Airport
Thirty months after the new Hong Kong International Airport opened at Chek Lap Kok, Airport District now looks after a workforce of about 45 000 people and some 91 500 travellers who pass through the airport each day. The team made up of officers from Uniform Branch, Crime and the Airport Security Unit has created a remarkably crime-free environment that is the envy of other major international airports. Reported crime dropped significantly from 445 cases in 1999 to 351 in 2000. Meanwhile, detection rates have risen significantly from 26.9 per cent in 1999 to a creditable 40.7 per cent in 2000.

Airport District conducted a considerable number of large scale policing operations throughout the year and its readiness to handle emergency situations was successfully tested in the annual 'Aircrash Exercise Chek Lap Kok 2000' and in reality in the evening of July 31, 2000, when a man armed with an imitation firearm boarded an aircraft and took one hostage. The Police mounted a major incident response that resulted in a negotiated release of the hostage and the surrender of the culprit. He was subsequently jailed for five years. The rapid and decisive police response, resulting in a peaceful resolution of the incident without injury to either the hostage or culprit, received wide praise.

Traffic
In 2000, resources and manpower of Traffic NTS were deployed mainly to Tuen Mun Road, Tsing Ma Control Area, North Lantau Highway, Container Port Road, Tai Po Road and Tolo Highway. High profile traffic policing and a series of overt traffic operations helped reduce offences and accidents. Areas identified as accident blackspots were given wide publicity and on-street police presence, resulting in fewer accidents and casualties.

Particular attention is paid to maintaining smooth traffic flow along the network of roads and bridges serving the airport. Traffic police conduct regular anti-speeding operations along North Lantau Highway, and their high-profile presence has resulted in a comparatively low traffic accident rate along this route.

The most concentrated traffic volume continued to be around Kwai Chung Container Port, where the daily average gate movement at the terminals stood at 30 506 — some 5.2 per cent more than in 1999.

Marine Region
Marine police continued to play a key role in combating illegal immigration and smuggling operations. The Region again improved its operational efficiency and delivery of service by enhancing existing navigational equipment and communication systems and by introducing advanced and modern vessels into its Fleet.

New Vessels
During the year, the Region took delivery of six high-speed inshore patrol craft fitted with twin waterjet propulsion units capable of a speed of 35 knots. Meanwhile, construction has started on the first two of six vessels to replace the ageing Damen MK I police patrol launches.

Communications
As part of ongoing upgrades of equipment, the Region is in the process of commissioning a new TETRA (Terrestrial Trunked Radio) digital radio communications system to replace the analogue VHF network. The Voice Sub-System went live in October 2000 whilst the Automatic Vessel Location Sub-System and the Messaging Sub-System are scheduled to commence operation in mid-2001. Once the entire system is operational, the marine police will be equipped with one of the most sophisticated communications networks available.

Exercises
Marine police continued to strengthen relations and cooperation with its counterparts in Guangdong to help counter smuggling and illegal immigration activities. A joint cross-border exercise was held in April 2000.

In addition to the numerous maritime safety awareness campaigns and crime prevention initiatives organised by various units, the Region participated in a joint maritime safety campaign with the Marine Department in June 2000.