MR ROYLE'S VISIT TO HONG KONG:
11-15 NOVEMBER 1972
BRIEF NO 4
CRIME
The Governor is concerned at the increase in crime in
Hong Kong. He spoke at some length on the subject in his speech
at the Opening Session of the Legislative Council on 18 October.
Over the last four years total reported crime has increased by
40% and violent crime ie murder, manslaughter, serious assaults
and robbery - by 135%.
The proportion of young people committing
these crimes has steadily increased.
2. The Hong Kong Government hope to stamp out this disturbing
tendency by rigorous action on a wide front. Measures taken in
1971/72 include:
(a) A substantial rise in police pay aimed at increasing
recruitment and bringing the Force up to establishment.
Posts in the Police Force are being taken over by
civilians whenever possible so as to increase the
number of trained men available for police duties. Men
are also being redeployed whenever possible and technical
aids are being provided to increase their effectiveness.
Extra duty allowance has also been paid temporarily for
abnormally long hours on the beat, so that more officers
could be turned out.
1
/(b)