8
Thursday, November 2, 1972
However, he said, the most effective counter-measure is to bring
the police force up to strength which the Governor has already given the
order to put into effect.
"I think Government needs to treat this upsurge of knife robbery
as an exception," he said, pointing out that a knife is a cheap, convenient
but effective weapon to terrorize unarmed singled-out individuals.
Too often, he said, the knife is pointed at the victim suddenly
at close range, rendering him helpless and scaring away other people who may
want to come to his aid,
Mr. Ann therefore suggested that tougher laws be introduced against
people carrying dangerous knives on the street without valid reason, as
well as offenders convicted of crimes of knifing or killing with triangular
files, razors, scissors or broken bottles.
"Thus far I have omitted mention of other arms not because I have
no respect for firearms, but because I feel, for the moment, there is dire
need to place special emphasis on knifing crimes in our circumstances," he said.
He said he would wholeheartedly join Council members in support of
other new measures, whether on an experimental basis or otherwise, even
though such new measures incur more increases in the annual expenditure.
"We all understand that law and order is of first importance to Hong
Kong's continuing prosperity, and in all probability, it has to be bought
at a higher price," he said.
/Mr. Ann