Fight crime ambassadors fulfil their mission in Australia (with photos)
************************************************

Nineteen young fight crime ambassadors, winners of the "Hang Seng Bank - Help the Police Fight Youth Crime Competition 2008", returned to Hong Kong after an eight-day trip to Sydney and Melbourne, where they spread fight crime messages and learnt to build team spirit.

The ambassadors called on the Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs in Sydney, Ms Lorna Wong. She said it would be more effective in raising young people's awareness of drug abuse and crime if youngsters could set good examples for their peers. They also met local media representatives and gave an interview to the Australian Chinese radio station, 2ac, on Hong Kong people's concerns about juvenile crime and drug abuse.

The ambassadors saw the daily operations of the Marine Area Command and the Mounted Police in Sydney.

They also visited a Police and Community Youth Club established by the New South Wales Police and a non-profit making organisation to help teenagers through leadership training, sports, cultural and community activities.

During their stay in Melbourne, they called on Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner, Mr Kieran Walshe. They also visited the Victoria Police Museum and Police Headquarters.

The ambassadors also took the opportunity to explore the customs, traditions and culture of Australia. They got up close with kangaroos and koalas, watched a penguin parade, rode in a horse-drawn coach and had a taste of life in a gold mining town of more than a century ago. In addition, they watched a cricket match and learned about this popular sport in Australia.

Members of different ages divided into groups on many occasions throughout the trip. They worked out decisions agreed by all and maintained good team spirit. An orienteering activity took their friendship one step further. "We became more familiar with the scenic spots in Melbourne. We learnt communication and leadership skills, and our friendship has gone further," ambassadors Gemini Li and Judy Yeung said.

"Hang Seng Bank - Help the Police Fight Youth Crime Competition 2008" was organised by the Police with sponsorship from Hang Seng Bank. The 19 ambassadors comprise 15 winners from the secondary school and post secondary school categories, and four members of the winners of the newly added youth service agency category. They beat other candidates in a writing competition, tests of leadership skills and project presentations in youth crime.

Police Report No. 1

Ends/Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Issued at HKT 11:35

NNNN