TNAG-1732-FCO40-2445-Minutes-and-Hansards-of-the-Legislative-Council-of-Hong-Kong-1988 — Page 31

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Criminal

Offence in private resort houses Reply of secretary for Security, Ar C↑ Barnes, 57,

in the Legislative Council on 3 June 1988- to a question by the Hon Mrs Rosanna M

2. MRS. TAM asked (in Cantonese)

་

An increasing number of private resort houses for rent are doing business in suburban areas and the outlying islands. Their operation is highly flexible, without any restrictions. In view of this, will Government inform this Council how many cases of criminal offence took place in these resort houses over, the past years, together with a breakdown on the nature of the crimes and the area where the outbreak of such crimes is most serious? Is consideration being given by the Government to adopting appropriate measures to improve the management of such resort houses?

three

SECRETARY FOR SECURITY :

The Police have been aware for some time of problems

concerning the renting out of private houses to

holidaymakers.

So far reports have mainly involved offences

in the outlying islands, especially Cheung Chau, Lamma and

parts of Lantau.

The

Some property owners in these areas rent out their

premises overnight to visitors from the urban area.

properties are either apartments or individual rooms, usually

in village-type houses. Most of the premises are owned by

local inhabitants, some of whom are absentee landlords.

Problems arise when large groups, usually of young people from

the urban area, rent these premises and hold noisy parties.

Alcohol is consumed and there have been reports of disputes

breaking out resulting in fights, sometimes serious

assaults. The Police have also received complaints of

nuisance, most commonly about noise.