Hong Kong’s law and order situation improved in the first half of 2017 with 28,309 crime cases recorded, the lowest figure for the period since 1979.
Reviewing the half year crime situation today, Police Director of Crime & Security Sonny Au said overall crime cases fell by 4.2% year-on-year.
There were 4,503 violent crime cases, about 440 less than the first half of last year.
Homicides, robberies, burglaries and serious drug offences dropped while rapes, indecent assaults and deceptions increased.
Mr Au said the surge in deception cases was attributable to online purchases, including concert and theme park tickets.
Telephone deceptions also increased from 410 cases to 443. More than 60% of the victims were aged below 30 while 30% of those were Mainlanders studying or working in Hong Kong.
Mr Au said a sharp rise in such crimes was seen in July.
"For the first six months, we have on average 2.4 cases per day. But in July this year, we see an average of 5.4 cases per day. And the losses are now up to $18 million, which is very huge."
He said the Anti-Deception Co-ordination Centre, formed last week, will advise people on curbing deception crimes.
The public can call the anti-scam helpline 18222 for help.
Noting the number of arrested young people fell by 1.9%, Mr Au reminded youths not to commit crimes for rewards.
