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The theft of container tractors is the latest trend in vehicle theft. Indeed, the number of cases of theft of container tractors has increased from 92 in the 4th quarter of 1994 to 162 in the 3rd quarter of 1995. We are, of course, concerned at the upsurge of this type of crime. We have reason to believe that the criminals involved are the same groups of people involved previously in the theft of luxury cars. The Organised Crime and Triad Bureau has been tasked with the investigation of these syndicates and at least ten key figures of these syndicates have been arrested and prosecuted since July this year. The Bureau also maintains close liaison with the Chinese Authorities to identify the major figures in these syndicates and the recipients of the stolen vehicles in China.

Very often, the tractors are driven across the border immediately after being stolen. Certain black spots where theft of container tractors occurs have been identified by the Police, and frequent spot-checks by road blocks are conducted at strategic times and locations to interdict the delivery of the stolen tractors.

The Crime Prevention Bureau is also in close contact with insurance companies and relevant haulage and drivers associations to heighten their awareness of the crime so that proper precaution measures, such as the installation of anti-theft devices, can be taken to reduce the number of cases of container tractors being stolen.

End/Wednesday, October 18, 1995

Measures to prevent elderly from committing suicide

The following is a question by Dr the Hon John Tse and a reply by the Secretary for Health and Welfare, Mrs Katherine Fok, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

As the problem of old people committing suicide has become more serious in recent years, will the Government inform this Council whether there are any services provided to prevent the old people from committing suicide, and what long-term policy and measures will be adopted by the Government to solve the problem?