PUBLIC ORDER
The situation regarding vehicle theft improved considerably. Overall, 4 261 motor vehicles were reported missing in 1995, a drop of 6.1 per cent compared with 1994. The number of robberies involving the use of firearms both genuine and pistol-like objects was 162, a marked decrease of 13.4 per cent compared with 1994.
A total of 47 780 crimes, or 52 per cent, were detected, with 53 098 people arrested for various criminal offences. Of those arrested, 6 723 were juvenile offenders (aged between seven and 15 years) and 8 961 were young persons (aged between 16 and 20 years).
Violent Crime
The overall incidence of violent crime did not change significantly, but the number of robberies in which genuine firearms were used continued to drop. The reasons for this included successful police action against firearms suppliers, both within Hong Kong and in China, and the increasing difficulty experienced by criminals in disposing of the proceeds of this type of crime.
One worrying trend however, was the increase, particularly in the early part of the year, in the incidence of bank robbery, reflecting a general tendency towards 'quick cash' crime.
Vehicle Theft
The pattern of vehicle theft changed dramatically during the year. The theft of luxury vehicles continued to decline due to continued police enforcement action in the territory and a heightened awareness of this particular problem in China. However, mid-range saloons and small-capacity motorcycles continued to be popular targets for vehicle thieves, reflecting a continued demand in China.
Seizures of smuggled left-hand drive vehicles in transit through the territory increased, indicating the effectiveness of the clampdown by the Chinese authorities on the registration of right-hand drive vehicles.
A significant new trend was the theft of articulated tractor units for re-sale in China. The relatively remote parking locations for container trucks aided the syndicates specialising in this type of crime, as did the ever-growing volume of cross-border traffic. Several syndicates involved in this type of vehicle theft were neutralised in operations mounted with the assistance of other government departments.
Organised Crime and Triads
Sustained action against triad activities met with substantial success throughout the year. One prolonged intelligence-based operation resulted in the arrest of several prominent triad personalities in Kowloon West Region. Co-operation with other government departments was instrumental in interrupting triad involvement in the wholesale food trade and in the decoration of residential premises, both traditional areas of triad activities. A specific focus on triad involvement in the entertainment industry resulted in a substantial reduction in the number of intimidation and extortion cases in this sector.
Regional and territory-wide initiatives resulted in the disruption of a number of loan-sharking syndicates during the year. Recognition of the degree of organisation involved in offences of this type, as well as the serious social consequences of loan-
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