Secretary for Security TK Lai says it is a serious offence to incite others on the Internet to commit crimes like arson and calls on people to express their views in a lawful manner.
He was referring to a case in which two men were arrested for trying to set fire to a shop in Sheung Shui to show their opposition to parallel trading activities.
Speaking to reporters after a Fight Crime Committee meeting today, Mr Lai said Police will investigate such cases seriously and bring the culprits to justice.
He noted that as Lunar New Year approaches, more Mainlanders will visit Hong Kong to shop, and parallel trading activities will also increase. The Government is concerned about the effects parallel trading activities will have on public hygiene and order.
Government departments will step up efforts to minimise the impact of parallel trading activities on people's lives, such as taking more stringent law enforcement action against traffic offences and obstructions.
Hong Kong and Mainland customs officers will conduct more joint exercises to combat cross-boundary crime, he added.
The general law and order situation has improved in the past year, with decreases in overall and violent crimes, he added.
