XN000022-1996-05-22 — Page 52

End

-

- 32 -

(b)

(c)

(d)

Year

Robbery

1994

1995

Pick-pocketing

Loss*

234

109

14

LITI

1996

(Jan - Apr)

32

These cases are reported as loss but some of them may involve pick-pocketing.

The Police set up a dedicated Task Force in December 1994 to tackle the problem of pick-pocketing at Lowu. The Task Force collates and analyses relevant data and intelligence on pick-pocketing activities at Lowu to identify the patterns and blackspots of such crime. As can be seen from the figures at (a), the problem has been contained but the Police will closely monitor the situation and take appropriate measures accordingly. The Police have not conducted any survey on the number of non-reported cases of such crime.

The Police maintain close liaison with the Shenzhen Public Security Bureau through the Border Liaison Channel to combat crimes at the border between Lowu and Shenzhen, including pick-pocketing.

We have well-established channels of communications between the Police and the Shenzhen Public Security Bureau to take up matters related to crime at the border. Given such channels, it is not necessary to go through the liaison officers of the Public Security Bureau stationed in Hong Kong on this matter.

Monitoring of debt collection by public utilities

Following is a question by the Hon Albert Chan Wai-yip and a written reply by the Secretary for Economic Services, Mr Gordon Siu, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

Recently, I have received complaints from the public that Hongkong Telecom has engaged debt collection companies to collect arrears in payment from its customers, which has caused harassment to the customers concerned. In view of this, will the Government inform this Council: