Question No. 9
A reply by the Hon M D Theras, CNG, "CC, Attorney General,
to a cuestion by the Lcr Peter Core, CEE, JP
in the Legislative Council cn Lecrescav, 4 Decerber 1985
Question:
Is Government satisfied that the existing law on loitering is fair and equitable, and if sc
(a) is it performing a useful function in cur efforts tc
combat crime; and
(b)
is it being enforced in a satisfactory manner?
Reply:
The loitering provisions, contained in Section 160 of the
Crimes Crċinance, have been in operation since 1979. They were
enacted in response to requests by the police for powers to combat a
growing threat posed to the Community in Fong Kong by small gangs and
individuals who linger in public places and the common parts of
public housing estates awaiting opportunities to commit crimes such
as handbag snatching, pickpocketing, thefts from cars and robberies
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upon women.