PUBLIC ORDER
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A total of 37 940 people were arrested and prosecuted, compared with 35 538 in 1984. Adults prosecuted totalled 34 778 and juveniles (under 16 years) numbered 3 162, an increase of 6.6 per cent and 8.7 per cent respectively, compared with the previous year.
Organised and Serious Crime
The number of robberies involving genuine or imitation firearms dropped markedly in 1985, partly as a result of the seizure of a large quantity of such illegal weapons the previous year and the neutralisation of certain dangerous criminals. However, the involvement of illegal immigrants in violent crimes continued to pose a problem and close liaison is being maintained with China's law enforcement agencies in this regard.
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In 1985, a total of 160 robberies involving the use of real or imitation firearms were recorded; 36 of these were committed against goldsmith and jewellery shops, accounting for the loss of property valued at $20 million.
A total of 35 firearms were seized during police operations and 63 persons were subsequently charged with various offences, including murder and robbery.
Commercial Crime
The Commercial Crime Bureau continued to handle a number of major fraud investiga- tions. Cases are of increasing complexity and the time and manpower resources required to investigate them has correspondingly increased. In order to cope with the situation, there was a significant increase in manpower during the year; certain aspects of the bureau's work are being computerised.
Close liaison with overseas law enforcement agencies has resulted in a flow of informa- tion and mutual assistance which has been of benefit to the bureau, and has prevented instances of fraud.
Reports of fraud from the financial sector, in respect of the operations of banking and deposit-taking companies, have resulted in three instances in which a number of bank executives and businessmen have been charged with offences.
The situation in respect of counterfeit currency remains a cause for concern. Because of the continued trend to produce counterfeit currency in Hong Kong for use in other countries, co-operation with overseas law enforcement agencies was further strengthened. During the year, significant results were achieved and three counterfeit currency syndicates were neutralised.
Public Order
There were no major incidents affecting Hong Kong's internal security during the year. Officers attached to the Police Tactical Unit continued to play an important role in maintaining order at major public functions, apart from their anti-crime patrol duties and attendance at the scenes of serious crimes to assist in intensive searches. A total of 1 700 officers, from the rank of constable to superintendent, received training in all aspects of internal security tactics and methods of crowd control at the Police Tactical Unit base in the New Territories.
Narcotics
A fifth successive bumper crop of the opium poppy in the 'Golden Triangle' border area of Burma, Laos and Thailand resulted in widespread drug trafficking throughout Southeast Asia and an influx of opiates into Hong Kong. Despite intensive enforcement action by police and customs officers, heroin remained readily available at street level.