Hong Kong's crime situation in the past year remained stable, with 81,125 cases reported, up 4.8% over 2005, Commissioner of Police Tang King-shing says. The number of violent crimes rose 6.9%, to 14,847 cases.

The overall crime rate stood at 1,160 reported crimes per 100,000 population, representing a 3.9% rise over 2005. The figure for violent crime also rose 6%, to 212 cases per 100,000 population.

Stable situation: Commissioner of Police Tang King-shing says Hong Kong's crime situation in the past year remained stable, with 81,125 cases reported. Violent crimes accounted for 14,847 of them.

Higher detection rate

Mr Tang told lawmakers today the overall crime-detection rate was 44.6%, 0.3 percentage points higher than 2005. The figure for violent crime also climbed 3.3 percentage points, to 62.8%.

Last year saw 23 bank robberies, up 53.3%. Seventeen cases were reported in the first quarter and six in the remaining three quarters.

The number of arson cases rose 20.6%, to 815. Serious narcotics offences accounted for 2,122 cases, up 19.2%, with 2,622 people arrested.

Criminal intimidation cases went up 18.5%, to 1,687, while deception cases rose 16.7%, to 4,758.

Last year also saw declines in pick-pocketing (down 18.4%, to 996 cases), blackmail (down 6.3%, to 459 cases), robberies (down 6%, to 1,574 cases) and snatching (down 8.4%, to 679 cases). The number of burglaries also fell 3.2%, to 5,315, the lowest since 1974.

Heroin cases fell

Mr Tang pointed out 1,446 out of the 2,122 serious narcotics offences involved psychotropic drugs - 44.3% higher than 2005, with cases related to ketamine and cocaine up 150% and 41%. Cases involving heroin fell 17%.

On drug seizures, the amount of ketamine seized rose almost 250%, to 1,012 kilograms. Ecstasy-type tablets seized shot up 140% to 116, 111 tables, and heroin climbed 94%, to 62 kilograms seized. However, the amount of "ice" and cannabis fell 97% and 57%, to 7kg and 186kg.

Mr Tang said last year saw 454 young people aged under 21 arrested for serious narcotics offences, 61% more than in 2005. More than 90% of them involved psychotropic drugs, with 54.4% related to ketamine.

Turning to family violence, the commissioner noted the number of cases rose 79% from 2005, to 4,704 last year.

Family violence cases climb

Among the cases, 1,811 were crime cases, with 343 involving criminal intimidation (up 84.4%), nine homicide (up 50%) and 1,154 serious assault (up 34.5%). Cases relating to indecent assault and rape fell 64% and 30.8%, to nine each.

Mr Tang said about 67% of these crime cases have been referred to courts for follow-up action. The number of cases referred to the Social Welfare Department in last year's first 10 months also went up 50%, to 4,513.

He stressed measures to bolster front-line Police officers' ability to handle and investigate domestic violence cases have been put in place. Noting the Force's aim is to protect victims, investigate and refer cases to experts when necessary, Mr Tang said adopting a multi-agency approach is key to tackling the problem.

Regarding the number of juveniles (aged 10-15) arrested for crime, Mr Tang said the figure dipped 0.5% from 2005, to 4,510. The number of young people (aged 16-20) rose 4.1%, to 4,974. Crimes committed were mainly shop and miscellaneous thefts, wounding and assault.

Seven targets

Looking ahead, the commissioner said seven operational targets have been set for this year, having regard to last year's crime situation and trend.

The targets are: combating violent crime, unlawful society offences, "quick cash" crimes, sale and abuse of dangerous drugs, offences involving visitors and illegal immigrants; strengthening anti-terrorism work and enhancing road safety. Click here for more details.

A number of major activities will be held in the coming years - such as elections, celebrations to mark the 10th anniversary of the handover, and Olympic equestrian events. Mr Tang said the Government has set up committees to steer these projects, including the security aspects.

Although there are challenges ahead, Mr Tang expressed confidence in maintaining Hong Kong as one of the world's safest cities.

On recruitment, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Management) Fung Siu-yuen said a reasonable salary level and conditions of service are only some of the many factors that attract people to the Force. This year, plans call for 1,200 new recruits, and 1,300 people will be hired next year, he added.