TNAG-1363-FCO40-1809-Hong-Kong-Hansard-reports-and-minutes-of-the-meetings-of-the-1985 — Page 93

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2.

The problem of illegal tapping of electricity in

squatter areas exists mainly where a legal supply is

available and is most serious in Wong Tai Sin and Kwun

Tong. The problem is being tackled on two fronts, namely,

enforcement and education. On the enforcement front, the

Police, in conjunction with the Power Company, City and New

Territories Administration and Housing Department have

stepped up action against such illegal activities. Since

January this year, 236 persons involved in illegal tapping

of electricity have been arrested. On the education front,

the departments and the District Boards concerned have

intensified their efforts to educate residents about the

dangers of tapping electricity illegally and advise them to

apply for a legal connection.

3.

Furthermore, the Fight Crime Committee is also

concerned about the triad involvement in the illegal

supplies of water and electricity in squatter areas. A

working group on "GANGS" under the Committee has studied the

problems and its recommendations are being considered by the

departments concerned.

4.

The long term solution to eliminate these illegal

tapping activities in squatter areas lies in the clearance

of the squatter areas themselves. As mentioned in your

address last week, Sir, our plan to clear and rehouse all

squatters in the urban areas within 5 to 10 years has

already started.