XN000022-1997-03-19 — Page 52

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Reply:

Mr President,

The Police keep statistics on cases according to the nature of offences, such as theft, without further breakdown. They do not keep separate statistics on the number of cases of tampering with mail in street posting-boxes.

The Post Office will take necessary measures to prevent illegal access to mail in street posting-boxes. Although posting-boxes have been secured with good quality theft resistant locks, the Post Office regularly inspects the locks with a view to replacing or repairing any locks to enhance security. The Post Office will also liaise with the Police Crime Prevention Bureau to seek advice on preventing mail-tampering.

With regard to tax payments sent in special envelopes provided by the Inland Revenue Department, when these reach the sorting office of the Post Office they are specially segregated and quickly placed into bags which are sealed for safe delivery to the Inland Revenue Department. Similarly, other mail for the Inland Revenue Department is also placed in sealed bags for safe delivery to that department.

There has been no complaint made directly to the Post Office about tampering with mail in street posting-boxes in the past three years, although it has been informed by the Police of a recent case involving cheques being stolen from posting-boxes. The Post Office regularly reviews, where necessary in consultation with the Police, mail handling procedures and inspects street posting-boxes to prevent mail-tampering.

End