HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 18 May 1988
1411
SECRETARY FOR SECURITY: Sir, it is perhaps a little early to confirm an increasing trend in burglaries despite the figures for the first quarter of this year but it is definitely intended that the neighbourhood watch scheme will continue to expand. As I have said, the sixth phase starts on 1 July this year. Additionally, all categories of crime, including burglaries, are carefully monitored by the police and by the Fight Crime Committee and discussed in the Fight Crime Committee; measures to counter any particularly worrying trends in each category of crime are taken as necessary. As regards the question of more publicity, certainly as the scheme expands publicity will be given in those areas which are going to be affected. If we get any suggestion that the publicity is insufficient in any way I can assure you that it will be stepped up.
MR. CHUNG (in Cantonese): Sir, a question for the Secretary for Security. I would like to know how many police officers are involved in the neighbourhood watch scheme and whether sufficient police manpower has been provided for the scheme?
SECRETARY FOR SECURITY: Sir, the police deploy at the moment 79 sergeants in 19 districts to act as neighbourhood police co-ordinators. The work of these police officers covers community relations as well as the most prominent aspect of that which is the neighbourhood watch scheme. Police community relations officers in each district are also involved in running the scheme, as are the staff of the Crime Prevention Bureau. Having regard to other commitments in the Government and in other categories of crime and the fact that an expansion rate of 16 000 households for each phase is about right for effective management, it is not intended at the moment to increase police manpower in that area.
Fire-fighting capability in temporary housing and squatter areas
7. DR. Ho asked: In view of recent claims that outbreaks of fire in some temporary housing areas or squatter areas have been caused by unauthorised persons in vacant THA units or squatter structures and that fire-fighting installa- tions in these areas have not been properly maintained, will Government inform this Council what measures are being taken to ensure that unauthorised persons cannot enter vacant structures in temporary housing areas and squatter areas and that fire-fighting installations in these areas are in proper working order?
Secretary for District AdminiSTRATION: Sir, vacant temporary housing units are boarded up by Housing Department staff so as to prevent trespassing. These units are regularly checked by Housing Department management staff and security guards. Moreover, the police are given lists of vacant units so that they can inspect them during routine patrols. Vacant squatter huts are demolished wherever possible so as to prevent re-occupation. Where this cannot be done,