TNAG-2055-FCO40-2933-Crime-in-Hong-Kong-1990 — Page 3

Overall reported crime during the 1980s, as shown in remained fairly stable at about 80,000 cases per Crime started to increase in the second half of 1989. expected

there will also be an increase in 1990, but it is likely to be lower than that forecast projected on the basis of the figure for the first four months in 1990.

10

As for violent crime (which includes murder, serious wounding, rape, indecent assault, robbery, criminal intimidation and blackmail), as shown in Annex B there was a gradual drop from 1980 to 1986 before it began to increase again. The increase became more marked in the latter half of 1989.

X

C

D

E

11

Robbery followed a similar pattern to overall violent crime (Annex C), reducing from 1980 to 1986, since when there has been a steady increase.

12

The number of robbery incidents involving the use of genuine firearms and pistol-like objects is shown at Annex D. Over the years, the number of armed robberies has been contained at a low level with strict control on the importation and use of firearms. Cases involving genuine firearms, however, rose to 33 in 1989, and there were 17 cases in the first four months of 1990. This is attributed to the easy availability of guns from China.

13

The offender rate for all ages increased from 635 per 100,000 to 841 per 100,000 in 1989. There has been a particular increase in the offender rate for the 16-20 age group, as indicated in Annex E.

F

14

Annex F shows that triad involvement in crime increased in 1989 when compared with 1988, but was still at its second lowest level for the 1980s. The main problem area in 1989 appeared to be triad involvement in wounding and serious assaults. The total of 531 cases was the highest in

the 1980s.

15

To sum up, the law and order situation in Hong Kong was good through much of the 1980s. The situation changed in 1989. The main problem areas now are the increase in violent crime particularly robberies and offences involving genuine firearms and pistol like objects, and the rising number of crimes committed by young people.

G.F. 324