Fire continued to pose a constant threat. One major factory fire and one village fire left 800 people homeless and one person dead.
Kwai Chung Division
Kwai Chung Divisional Police Station, opened on March 1, was established to serve the fastest developing area in the New Territories. It is the most densely populated division in the district, with well over 300,000 residents, most of whom live in eight housing estates. As well as being a major centre for public housing, Kwai Chung is also a major industrial area, having in excess of 1,000 industrial concerns within its boundaries. The container terminal is now the focal point of Hong Kong's thriving import/export trade and, in terms of volume of cargo handled, ranks third in the world.
Prevailing crimes were burglaries, muggings and triad activities within the estates. The incidence of crime was 2,337 or 1,034.3 per 100,000 population, while the detec- tion rate was 38.5 per cent. Population density generated a large number of family and inter-neighbour disputes, which often led to serious woundings.
Two neighbourhood policing units and three reporting centres have been established and plans are well in hand for permanent NPUs in all existing and projected public housing estates.
Sha Tin Division
Sha Tin Division comprises Tai Po and Sha Tin sub- divisions, with the area policed embracing the islands of Tap Mun and Peng Chau in Mirs Bay as well as the northern part of the Sai Kung peninsula.
While still a rural division, the development of Sha Tin new town and the Tai Po light industrial area and the con- struction of a new racecourse at Sha Tin will considerably extend the scope and change the nature of the police role. One housing estate for 15,000 people in Sha Tin was completed during the year, the second tunnel through Lion Rock linking north Kowloon with Sha Tin was nearing completion and major road works on Ti Po Road designed to improve further communication between Kowloon and Sha Tin were well advanced. In addition to urbanisation, tens of thousands of people visit Tai Po and Sha Tin, particularly on holidays and at weekends during the cooler. months. These visitors may be expected to increase with improved communications and will thus require additional police attention.
The number of crimes reported in 1976 was 705 or 691 per 100,000 of population, compared with 687 or 608 per 100,000 during 1975. The detection rate was 46.8 per cent as against 52.4 per cent. The main problems are ‘seasonal crimes', including robberies and assaults in picnic areas, although no spectacular cases occurred.
The rescue of hikers lost or in difficulties in hilly areas continued to be a heavy commitment.
A neighbourhood policing unit was established during the initial occupation stages of Lek Yuen estate in Sha Tin new town. From the outset the unit was successful in establishing excellent relations with residents, so con- tributing to the effective management of the estate. Plans were formulated to establish units in other estates in the town as they are built.
Yuen Long Division
Yuen Long Division - which includes Yuen Long, Castle Peak, Lau Fau Shan and Pat Heung sub-divisions - remains to a large extent a rural area. However, urbanisation is rapidly progressing, particularly in Tuen Mun new town near Castle Peak and in the former market town of Yuen Long itself. This growth causes problems of land clearance and movement of population. The philosophies and strategies of policing must also be adjusted.
A total of 1,339 crimes were reported, an incidence of 651.8 per 100,000 population compared with 1,276 or 547.6 per 100,000 during 1975. The detection rate was 55.8 per cent as against 60.7 per cent in 1975. Slight increases in rape and burglary were recorded; serious assaults and burglaries remained fairly constant; and the number of robberies fell from seven to three. Cases of drug trafficking decreased and prostitution is virtually non-existent. No spectacular cases occurred.
Local problems included disputes over the operation of oyster beds in Deep Bay in the northwest and disputes between villagers and outsiders who visit their villages and beauty spots. Illegal immigration across the northern section of Deep Bay also remained a problem. The beaches at Castle Peak remain popular and police effort is directed at ensuring visitors enjoy safe and peaceful recreation.
Community relations continues to be an area of consider- able activity, particularly in view of the changing nature of the community and environment. The Police Community Relations Officer is active in co-ordinating liaison, including the organisation of the division's Junior Police Call club of more than 5,500 members. Active contact was maintained with local community leaders, including the Tuen Mun Fight Violent Crime Committee, which was established in November after much groundwork.
Frontier Division
As the name implies, the division is responsible for policing the 22-mile land frontier with China and the adjacent areas and it comprises four sub-divisions. Official entry points from China are at Lo Wu and Man Kam To. Visitors to and from China may cross only at Lo Wu where immigra- tion, health and customs facilities are provided. Livestock and vegetables are brought into Man Kam To by porters for transportation by road to Kowloon. A new bridge at Man Kam To was opened in May.
Traditionally, there is local movement across the border at various locations by farmers entering to work their land. Control of entry into and movement within the border area is governed by a Frontier Closed Area Order and entry may only be made by permit. Restrictions are relaxed only on festival days when large crowds visit the cemetery at Sandy Ridge. Generally, the situation on the frontier and within the closed border area can best be described as re- laxed and tranquil.
Crime remained at a low level with 704 reports or 625.3 per 100,000 of population as against 724 or 574.6 per 100,000 in 1975. The detection rate was 62.6 per cent as against 58.0 per cent.
Recreational projects jointly sponsored by police and local bodies remained popular and community service work, including the construction of bridges and footpaths, was undertaken by divisional personnel. The first Junior Police
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