XN000022-1996-02-07 — Page 49

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Paper cutter used to commit crime

Following is a question by the Hon Selina Chow and a written reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Peter Lai, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

In regard to the recent trend of criminals using paper cutters by criminals to commit crimes, will the Government inform this Council of the following:

(a) whether any measures will be taken to combat this problem; and

(b)

whether there is any loophole in the law which could be plugged in order to prevent such crimes?

Reply:

Mr President,

(a)

We do not keep separate statistics on crimes involving the use of paper cutters. However, they are grouped under the category crimes involving the use of "razor blades". Honourable Members may wish to note that while the number of reported cases of robbery committed using razor blades has increased from 253 in 1993 to 336 in 1994, it actually decreased to 293 in 1995. These in any case represent a small proportion of the total number of reported cases of robbery involving the use of different kinds of weapon; viz. 3.6% for 1993, 5.4% in 1994 and 5.3% in 1995. In addition, the total number of reported cases of robbery has also declined by 21% between 1993 and 1995.

Police officers on front-line operational duties are regularly briefed on the latest trends in crimes, including the types of weapon used, so that special attention can be given to suspects in possession of these weapons.

(b)

Under $17 of the Summary Offences Ordinance, CAP 228, any person who has in his possession any offensive weapon or other instrument fit for unlawful purpose, with intent to use the same for any unlawful purposes, shall be liable to a fine of $5,000 or to imprisonment for 2

years.