ENG-1965 — Page 194

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PUBLIC ORDER

and larceny. A major part of the increase concerned petty thefts, and the increased number of reports was partly due to the opening of police stations in new industrial areas. The detection rate remained high and, at 72 per cent, compared favourably with figures in similar urban communities elsewhere. (Crime statistics are given in Appendix XXXVII.) A working party set up in November 1964 to report on crimes of violence by juveniles and young persons found few inade- quacies in law, but recommended certain minor amendments in- tended to provide for the adequate and constructive punishment and corrective training of young offenders.

Narcotics still pose one of Hong Kong's greatest social and crimi- nal problems. This was again illustrated in February when over two tons of opium and morphine valued at HK$4 million were seized by the Narcotics Bureau. It was the largest single seizure ever made by the bureau and possibly by any preventive agency anywhere in the world. During the year an Action Committee Against Narcotics was formed, composed of representatives from government depart- ments and voluntary organizations. It will co-ordinate executive action against narcotics between government departments and outside agencies. Apart from the large seizures already mentioned and two other considerable seizures during the year, it remained difficult to secure public co-operation and evidence against ñarcotics distribution syndicates. These are becoming more and more cleverly organized and their activities consequently more difficult to trace and combat.

Constant vigilance by the Triad Societies Bureau again prevented any resurgence of triad activities during the year. The commercial crime and anti-corruption sections of the Criminal Investigation Department continued successful operations in their respective fields. All sections of the CID have at their disposal technical sections staffed by experienced specialists with the most up-to-date equipment including a forensic laboratory, ballistics office, identification bureau and criminal records office.

TRAFFIC

At the end of the year there were 89,617 vehicles on the Colony's roads which works out to 158.6 vehicles to every mile of road. The maintenance of reasonable traffic flow and the avoidance of