Sham Shui Po Division
Sham Shui Po is divided into three sub-divisions; Cheung Sha Wan, Sham Shui Po and Shek Kip Mei. It is primarily a hea built-up, densely-populated urban residential and industrial area, but includes in the north and east a 'green belt' area of steep hills, water catchments and reservoirs. It covers an area of approximately 5.3 square miles with an estimated population of more than 500,000. With such a variety within the boundaries, it is not sur- prising that it is one of the busiest divisions. The incidence of crime during the year was 6,714 while the detection rate was 65.3 per cent.
This year produced the usual selection of major crimes, natural disasters, fires and so on. One disturbing feature is the incidence of attacks made on police officers to steal their revolvers. Although there have been only a few, the fact that they should occur at all has alarming implications, and vigorous measures are in hand to apprehend culprits. It has long been recognised that the growing develop- ment of Cheung Sha Wan needed an expanded police presence. To this end, a new divisional headquarters has been built near the junction of Cheung Sha Wan Road and Lai Chi Kok Road and it is anticipated that it will become operational early in 1978.
Kowloon City Division
Kowloon City is divided into Kowloon City and Hung Hom sub-divisions and represents an area of varying charac- teristics. Almost alongside high-rise public housing are situated low-rise areas occupied by the higher income segments of the community. There is additionally an industrial area, together with the Walled City which continues to pose its problems. The estimated population in the area is more than 500,000. The incidence of crime during the year was 4,996 with a detection rate of 56.1 per cent.
The Walled City has, for many years, been the source of entrenched dangerous drugs activity which, however, has sharply declined over the past two years, due mainly to the constant pressure maintained by the police. However, Tai Wan Shan continues to pose a problem in this partic- ular criminal field and efforts have been made to combat this with sub-divisional resources, but with limited success.
This year has seen a rise in the number of vice establish- ments operating under the guise of apartments. Concent- rated and generally effective police action continues in this area, with the result that operators have become much more cautious in their methods of operation.
A new Reporting Centre was opened in the Tai Wan Shan Estate in August and this was welcomed by the residents who, although they do not use it a great deal, appear to derive a sense of security from having it in their midst. Another centre is in the process of being built at the Valley Road Housing Estate.
Oi Man Estate, with a population of 42,000, is policed by a Neighbourhood Policing Unit. In March, the unit post moved from its temporary location in Chiu Man House to permanent and larger premises in Chung Man House. Construction of the new Ho Man Tin divisional station in Princess Margaret Road is now in progress. Following occupation, part of Hung Hom station will be demolished to make way for the widening of Chatham Road in connec- tion with the Eastern Corridor approach route.
Airport Division
Airport was given divisional status with effect from Novem- ber and is commanded by a Divisional Superintendent with a Chief Inspector as second-in command.
Kai Tak airport is presently undergoing a large expansion programme, and will probably become the largest in the Far East. The terminal building is being doubled in size to cater for increased passenger traffic and the handling figures from the air cargo terminal indicate a similar increase in cargo traffic.
Airport security measures have been tightened in order to combat a world-wide increase in international terrorism. Special response squads have been created to deal with day-to-day tasks and emergency situations. This threat has resulted in much closer liaison between airports and airlines in South East Asia in the matter of aviation security.
The main problem in the field of crime is still pilferage, with the majority of cases occurring at the air cargo terminal. Altogether 86 cases of theft, or pilfering of cargo and hand baggage were reported during the year. Detection of this type of offence is one of the main tasks of CID/Airport, and their efforts are being rewarded with remarkably good results: 16 cases have been detected with 19 arrests.
Wong Tai Sin Division
Wong Tai Sin is divided into Wong Tai Sin, Tsz Wan Shan and Sai Kung sub-divisions. The first two basically comprise public housing estates of a residential, commercial and industrial nature, while the third comprises village houses and luxurious apartments. The estimated population of the division is 620,000.
The number of crimes reported in the year was 5,492 and the detection rate was 64.6 per cent.
A case of particular interest occurred in February when a Chinese man arrested for robbery offences, was addi- tionally charged with 216 counts of blackmail and 216 counts of theft in connection with hawker extortion.
Two new Reporting Centres in Tung Tau and Wang Tau Hom were opened in June and it is intended that these two centres, together with the existing one in Lok Fu, will be expanded and operated as Neighbourhood Policing Units as and when the problem of manpower shortage is resolved.
During the colder months towards the end of the year members of the Rank and File collected and distributed warm clothing to the needy.
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