Percentage of total cases
1977
1976
1975
Robbery
15.8
23.2
26.7
Gang attack
8.8
8.5
12.4
Revenge
8.5
7.6
Other disputes
19.3
18.3
13.3
Mental
1.7
6.1
12.4
Family and smilar disputes
12.3
6.1
3.8
Love affairs
8.8
2.4
3.8
Sexual attack
1.2
4.8
Reasons unknown
17.5
9.8
14.3
Other reasons
15.8
15.9
0.9
The clearance rate over the last two years has averaged seven out of 10, which is good by international standards. Murder is a most serious crime and it is vital that every effort be made to bring the killers to account.
One of the main problems demanding police attention remained the triad menace. In particular, extensive action was directed against the organisation and protection of prostitution and illegal gambling, and outright extortion from public light bus operators, shopkeepers, hawkers, resite area residents and any other potential source. During 1977 some 2,800 extortion offences were uncovered. Additionally, there were 2,870 prosecutions under the Societies Ordinance, while the neutralisation of a large number of vice and gambling establishments significantly reduced the venues for these organised criminal activities. Thus, the year brought some success in this field, but the aim of the whole Force is to continue, and intensify, pressure
against these petty gangsters.
S
Hong Kong's other grave menace narcotics also remained a prime target. Successes in terms of action relating to heroin refineries, drug stores, mają import consignments and arrests of high-level operative were a source of satisfaction. Meanwhile, drug trafficking offences dropped by 39 per cent to a total of 1,661.
The general downward trend in crime was reflected in the number of persons arrested for criminal offences - 21,839, a decrease of 7 per cent over 1976. Of the total, slightly less than one third were under 21 years of age, a decrease of 8 per cent. This must be viewed against the age of the whole population, of whom over 40 per cent are below the age of 20. The number of first offenders was high at 50 per cent.
Public Co-operation
The importance of reporting crime cannot be over- emphasised, for while a particular crime may not be detected because of its very nature or the specific cir- cumstances, the information will contribute to the con- tinuous monitoring of trends by the Force. This facilitates the best deployment of manpower and resources. Further- more, a single report may lead to the detection of many other similar offences.
To reduce inconvenience to members of the community, crime reporting procedures are kept under constant review.
ROBBERIES
搶劫
THOUSANDS
平位
9
8
7
8,895
BURGLARIES
爆窃
THOUSANDS
千位
6
6,525
6
5
5
3-
2
5,665
5,565
0
1976
1977
1976
223
1977