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HONG KONG URBAN COUNCIL
the event that COMAC concludes after investigation that a certain complaint arose not because of defects in our policy or procedures, but rather the fault of an individual officer, we will follow up with internal disciplinary action.
(2) MR. DANIEL TO BOON-MAN asked the following question (in Cantonese): The statistics of theft from lockers in the public swimming pool complexes managed by the Urban Council from January to July 1996 have aroused concern. I would like to know:
(1) What effective measures will be adopted to improve the security of lockers?
(2) What will be done to deal with duplication of locker keys for thefts by professional criminals?
(3) Is it possible to replace the existing outdated locker key system?
MR. RONNIE Wong Man-Chiu, Chairman of the Recreation Select Committee, replied as follows (in Cantonese): The question consists of three parts. The first part concerns the adoption of effective measures to improve the security of lockers. First of all, I believe the most effective measure would be that people going to swim should not bring along with them too many valuables and too much money. This is because these are the main attraction for thieves and the causes for the increased number of locker theft cases in public swimming pools.
At present, all the changing rooms in the Council's swimming pools are provided with designated dressing room attendants. While their main role is to provide assistance to swimmers in the proper use of the changing room facilities, they also help to keep the changing rooms under surveillance.
Appropriate notices in the pools and publicity through the media, such as in the TV series 'Police Call', have also been arranged to inform the public not to bring too much money or too many valuable belongings into the pool and to be careful in handling the keys for the lockers while swimming in the pool, and that they are permitted to deposit their valuables at the swimming pool office.
Whenever a locker key is found missing, the locker in question will be immediately closed for use. Staff will arrange replacement of the whole set of locker cylinder as soon as possible. Moreover, each evening after the pool is closed, staff will arrange swapping at random the lock cylinders for some of the lockers in the changing rooms.
For black spots such as the Kowloon Park Swimming Pool, additional security guards are provided to patrol the changing rooms as a deterrent measure and the pool staff have increased their inspection frequency. Reflective mirrors are also installed in concealed areas to facilitate easy surveillance. In addition, assistance from the Police has been enlisted and the Police are stepping up their patrol and special operations at the pools.
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