Secretary for Security TK Lai says Hong Kong's law and order situation in the first 10 months of the year remained stable with overall crime falling by 0.4% compared to the same period last year.
Briefing reporters after a Fight Crime Committee meeting today, Mr Lai said there were fewer violent crimes such as woundings, assaults and domestic violence in the period.
He noted that phone scam cases dropped significantly in recent months from more than 800 cases this summer to less than 30 cases in October, due to the community's concerted efforts and a Police publicity drive.
Mr Lai said Hong Kong and Mainland security officials discovered that a syndicate running the phone scams was based in Indonesia. With the help of Indonesian authorities, suspects allegedly involved in 431 Hong Kong deception cases were arrested last month.
He reminded people to watch out for phone scams, adding that the Police will update citizens on the methods used by the criminals.
The security chief also said while there is currently no evidence to suggest Hong Kong is under threat of a terrorist attack, the Government will remain vigilant, while the Police will conduct regular exercises to maintain a high level of readiness.
