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Various departments at work to tackle juvenile crimes
Following is a question by Rev the Hon Fung Chi-wood and a written reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Peter Lai, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):
Question:
Regarding the problem of juvenile delinquency in the Tai Po District, will the Government inform this Council whether:
Reply:
(a)
(b)
(c)
Mr President.
(a)
(b)
there is an upward trend in the number of crimes committed by juveniles in the Tai Po District recently; if so, what are the factors leading to such a situation;
the relevant government departments have any specific short term plans to improve the situation; and
consideration will be given to strengthening the Police manpower in the District as well as deploying another outreaching social work team to serve the District in addition to the one provided in June 1993?
There has been an upward trend in the number of young persons (under 21 years of age) arrested for crime in Tai Po. The figures are as follows - in 1991, 873 were arrested; in 1992, the number was 1,006; in 1993, it was 1,179; and in 1994 it was 1,583. The increase is mainly attributable to the increase in the arrests of young persons for shoptheft and dangerous drugs offences.
The problem of young offenders is a matter of considerable concern to the Government and a number of departments are involved in tackling it. Specifically, in Tai Po, the Police Force has stepped up covert operations against drug traffickers. The Force is currently conducting special weekly operations to check on amusement game centres, which are frequented by young persons. The Force also plans to promote the Junior Police Call, in order to foster a police-youth partnership in the fight against crime; in addition, its community relations officers will increase visits to schools. The Force will also intensify both uniform and plan clothes patrols in school areas and areas frequented by young persons.