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19. Juvenile crime shows an increase in cases of pocket picking and snatching of earrings. A disquieting tendency of juveniles to work in gangs often under the tutelage of an adult is apparent. Another serious factor is that many juveniles aged 12-16 have previous convictions; the figures are 26 as against 6 and all are in Hong Kong. Several have been banished. Several juvenile drug addicts have appeared before the Court. The Juvenile Court is much handicapped in its reformative work without a Reformatory.

20. Sentences on juveniles show an increase in canings ordered mainly in cases of larceny from the person. More bonds have been enforced against the delinquent's parents.

L.

The Sino-Japanese hostilities have had the following effects:

(a) an influx of poverty-stricken refugees leading to increased numbers of
beggars and hawkers.

(b) an influx of Shanghai criminals mainly pickpockets.

(c) an increase in muitsai cases of a technical nature.

(d) an increase in arms cases of a technical nature.

7th March, 1939.

R. A. D. FORREST,
First Police Magistrate.

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