2004-01-15 16:50 The law and order situation remained stable throughout 2003 and despite a rise in the overall crime, such serious crime as homicide, rape and robbery, in particular robbery with firearms all saw a drop in number. The Commissioner of Police, Mr Dick Lee Ming-kwai, gave the above remarks at a press conference today (January 15) to review the crime situation in Hong Kong last year. Mr Lee noted that despite a 16.5 per cent rise in the total number of crime cases, the overall crime rate remained stable. Although there was an increase in the number of minor opportunist thefts, the serious crime remained on the low side and even registered a fall in the total number. In comparison to the preceding twelve months, last year saw a drop in the total number of robberies (8 per cent), homicide (24.6 per cent), rape (26.3 per cent) and serious narcotic offences (4.5 per cent). Earlier last year, Police set six operational targets. One of those targets was to maintain the fight against violent crime, particularly those which involved use of firearms. Last year, Police successfully neutralised twelve armed gangs, with 67 suspects arrested and 28 genuine firearms seized. "I am pleased to note that throughout last year there was no case of robbery involving the use of genuine firearms in Hong Kong," he said. "Police will continue to maintain close co-operation with mainland and overseas law enforcement agencies and use intelligence-based operations against target criminals and activities, particularly cases involving the use of firearms," Mr Lee said. On the fight against triad activities and their source of income, Mr Lee said Police had successfully carried out four undercover operations during last year, resulting in the neutralisation of four triad syndicates and arrest of 303 persons. Turning to the crackdown on "quick cash crimes", he said that Police would ensure the strategic deployment of police resources to problem areas and the optimal use of intelligence. Efforts had also been made to enhance public awareness of preventive measures. On terrorism, Mr Lee said that whilst there was no indication that Hong Kong was a likely target for terrorist attacks, Police would maintain the highest level of vigilance and operational readiness. "We will maintain close liaison with neighbouring and overseas law enforcement agencies to ensure receipt of timely intelligence, and continually review our own security arrangements to ensure that Hong Kong not only remains one of the safest places in the world for our citizens, but for all who visit and do business in this city," he added. The other operational target was to maintain enforcement action against the trafficking and abuse of dangerous drugs, particularly psychotropic substances, by young people. Mr Lee said Police continued to adopt a multi-faceted approach to combating drugs and this would be achieved through strengthening our ties with Mainland and overseas law enforcement agencies, the adoption of a multi-agency approach here in the territory, carrying out intelligence-based operation, enhancing publicity and optimising use of legislation. Last year, the total number of persons and young persons (aged under 21) arrested for offences involving psychotropic drugs respectively dropped by 14 per cent and 24.6 per cent compared with the figures of 2002. "The result has demonstrated our efforts in taking action against psychotropic substances and the abuse by young people," Mr Lee said. To tackle the problem of two-way permit holders involving in illegal activities, Police joined hands with the Immigration Department, Correctional Services Department, Customs and Excise Department, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, Lands Department and Labour Department 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 had been launched resulting in the arrest of 4,754 illegal mainland workers and 10,773 mainland females involved in prostitution. Looking ahead, Mr Lee said that in view of the success achieved in the 2003 Operational Targets, Police would continue with these targets for even better results to ensure that Hong Kong remained a stable and prosperous city. He said that Police had decided to set "Road Safety" as this year's seventh Operational Target after taking into consideration the increase in the number of fatal traffic accidents. He added that the Road Safety Campaign was to increase publicity on road safety awareness and to strategically deploy police resources at known traffic black sites. Besides implementing selective traffic enforcement policy, he said that Police presence at major thoroughfares would be maintained to ensure smooth traffic-flow and take prompt enforcement action against motorists with inconsiderate driving behaviour. |