Local crime situation remains stable
Commissioner Dick Lee Ming-kwai has stressed that the local law and order situation remains stable despite a 16.5 per cent rise in overall crime in 2003.
Reviewing last year's crime situation in a news conference on January 15, Mr Lee pointed out that although there was an increase in minor "opportunist" thefts, serious crime remained on the low side and even registered a fall. Compared with 2002, 2003 saw a drop in the total number of robberies (8 per cent), homicide (24.6 per cent), rape (26.3 per cent) and serious narcotics offences (4.5 per cent).
He recalled that last year the Force set six Operational Targets, one of which focused on combating violent crime, particularly those involving use of firearms. Last year, the Force neutralised 12 armed gangs, with 67 persons arrested and 28 genuine firearms seized.
"I am pleased that throughout last year, there was not a single robbery involving use of genuine firearms in Hong Kong! We'll continue maintaining close co-operation with the Mainland and overseas law enforcement agencies, and using intelligence-based operations against target criminals and activities, particularly cases involving use of firearms," Mr Lee noted.
On the fight against triads' activities and sources of income, the Commissioner said the Force successfully carried out four undercover operations last year, resulting in the neutralisation of four triad syndicates and the arrest of 303 persons.
To crack down on "quick cash crimes", the Force would deploy resources to problem areas, such as shopping centres and department stores, and would enhance public awareness of preventive measures.
On international terrorism, Mr Lee said although there was no indication of Hong Kong being a likely target for terrorist attacks, the Force would maintain the highest level of vigilance and operational readiness, as well as close liaison with neighbouring and overseas law enforcement agencies.
As regard actions against trafficking in and abuse of, dangerous drugs and psychotropic substances, Mr Lee said the Force would continue adopting a multi-faceted approach to combating drugs through strengthening ties with Mainland and overseas law enforcement agencies, adopting a multi-agency approach in the territory, carrying out intelligence-based operations, enhancing publicity and optimising use of legislation.
Last year, the number of persons and young persons (aged under 21) arrested for offences involving psychotropic drugs dropped by 14 per cent and 24.6 per cent respectively, compared with 2002.
To tackle the problem of two-way permit holders involved in illegal activities, the Force had joined hands with the departments concerned to form an inter-departmental task force to enhance intelligence exchange with Mainland authorities and maintain vigilance against crimes committed by Mainland visitors.
Last year, a series of operations were carried out resulting in the arrest of 4,754 illegal Mainland workers and 10,773 Mainland women involved in prostitution.
Speaking on the way forward, the Commissioner said that while continuing with the six 2003 Operational Targets, the Force had set "road safety" as 2004's seventh Operational Target in order to reduce fatal traffic accidents.
The Road Safety Campaign would step up publicity on awareness of road safety and strategically deploy resources to traffic black spots. At the same time, the Force would ensure smooth traffic flow at major thoroughfares, and take prompt enforcement actions against motorists with inconsiderate driving behaviour, Mr Lee added.
CP reviews the crime situation in 2003