PUBLIC ORDER
International Airport on August 22 while the No. 8 Gale or Storm Signal was hoisted during the passage of Typhoon Sam. The officers involved helped to extricate passengers and crew members from the burning wreckage, and also helped in treating and assisting injured and distraught passengers. Apart from the Airport Security Unit, other units such as the Uniform Branch, Traffic Branch, Police Tactical Unit, Emergency Unit and the District Investigation Team, did their very best during the rescue operation despite the extremely difficult conditions.
A large number of officers were deployed to manage crowds during events organised to celebrate the millennium. The force was also fully prepared for any Year 2000 glitches which might affect law and order.
A comprehensive review of the Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force was completed in March. Changes to the role, organisation and deployment of the Auxiliary Force were recommended with a view to enhancing its management and operational deployment.
Crime
Reported crimes in 1999 totalled 76 771, an increase of 6.7 per cent compared with 71 962 crimes recorded in 1998. The crime rate stood at 1 122 cases per 100 000 of the population, an increase of 4.3 per cent compared with 1998. Despite the slight increase, the force's dedication to maintaining law and order ensured that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) remained one of the most secure and stable cities in the world.
Violent crimes, including murder, wounding, serious assault, rape, indecent assault, kidnapping, blackmail, criminal intimidation, robbery and arson, increased to 15 705 cases, compared with 14 682 in 1998. Robbery, wounding and serious assault accounted for 70.4 per cent of the total number of violent crimes in 1999.
There were 70 robberies involving the use of firearms both genuine and pistol- like objects an increase of 22.8 per cent compared with 1998.
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In all, 32 595 crimes, or 42.5 per cent of the total, were detected, with 40 745 persons arrested for various criminal offences. Of those arrested, 5 486 were juvenile offenders (aged between seven and 15 years) and 7 038 were young persons (16 to 20).
Violent Crime (Firearms only)
Although there was an increase in the total number of robberies reported, the number involving the use of genuine firearms continued to decrease in 1999 after a significant drop in 1998. This continued downward trend in use of firearms may be attributed to the continued close co-operation between the police and their Mainland counterparts, coupled with vigorous enforcement and investigation.
Vehicle Theft
Vehicle theft rose slightly. In 1999, 2 575 motor vehicles were reported missing, a rise of 6.9 per cent compared with 1998. The number of luxury and goods vehicles stolen fell while the number of tractors stolen also dropped significantly. There was, however, an increase in the number of private cars stolen. The overall recovery rate of stolen vehicles also fell, which is believed to be attributable to the vehicles being broken down into parts for supply to the illicit local market.
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