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new setup allows resources to be more effectively deployed to combat smuggling and illegal immigration.
The Marine Police continued to play an important role in combating illegal immigration from China. During the year, 2410 people were apprehended when trying to sneak in by sea, representing an increase of 10 per cent compared with 1994.
The majority of arrivals originated from Haifeng, Dongguan and Taishan in Guangdong Province. Economic incentives and family reunion continued to be the major motivating factors behind illegal immigration. Mirs Bay and Deep Bay remained the most popular crossing points.
During 1995, a total of 762 Vietnamese migrants arrived in the territory by sea on 44 vessels. Of these, 670 elected to have their vessels refuelled and reprovisioned and to continue their voyage. In the latter half of the year, a number of Vietnamese vessels, operating from larger craft outside the territorial boundary, were found to be involved in thefts from the shores of the outlying islands and from merchant vessels moored in Hong Kong waters.
Bomb Disposal
The Explosive Ordinance Disposal Bureau rendered safe more than 7 000 explosive devices during the year. These ranged from improvised devices constructed by criminals, to pyrotechnics, and unexploded shells and bombs left over from World War II and even earlier.
The bureau maintains contacts with other units throughout the world and is constantly upgrading procedures and equipment to enhance safety and flexibility when dealing with explosive devices.
Public Relations
The Good Citizen Award Scheme and the Good Citizen of the Year Scheme remained effective vehicles for gaining public support in the ongoing fight against crime. The schemes have been running successfully since their introduction in 1972 and 1984, respectively, as a long-standing project jointly administered by the Police and Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce. So far, the schemes have given recognition to a total of 2 533 public-spirited citizens.
The police telephone hotlines, as in previous years, functioned productively throughout the year. The general hotline, 2527 7177, registered calls which led to arrests. The enhanced triad hotline, 2527 7881 - now known as the Organised Crime and Triad Hotline was very well received and produced positive results.
Another favoured avenue for crime reporting, the Crime Information Form, continued to provide useful information. Altogether, 234 completed forms were received, resulting in arrests.
One of the most successful bridges between the police and the community has been a youth organisation Junior Police Call (JPC) — set up in 1974. At the end of 1995, the JPC had 197 195 members and leaders. The JPC helps to guide its members towards becoming responsible and law-abiding citizens.
Apart from participation in fight-crime activities and crime-prevention campaigns, members are provided with a wide range of sports, recreational and educational programmes, organised to foster a positive attitude towards a healthy life. In