10
Public Order
POLICE
NOTHING happened seriously to threaten the peace and stability of Hong Kong during the year. However the Royal Hong Kong Police Force had to deal with a serious increase in crimes of robbery and violence, a minor simulated bomb campaign, a number of demon- strations and the Colony's first aircraft hijacking.
In the early part of the year, a small-bomb placed outside the Central Government Offices exploded while being dismantled, caus- ing Mr Norman Hill, the Police Ballistics Officer, the loss of his right hand. This incident was followed by simulated bombs being placed in other parts of the Colony over a period of some weeks. Wrapping paper used in association with these objects indicated that the campaign was in protest against the increase in water charges.
At the end of March, Hong Kong had its first experience of a hijacked aircraft when a BAC 1-11 of Philippine Airlines, on an internal flight, was forcibly diverted to refuel in Hong Kong before flying on to Canton. The hijackers allowed some passengers to disembark, but detained others on board as hostages. After an overnight stop in Canton, the aircraft returned to Hong Kong with the crew and remaining passengers, but without the hijackers.
A number of demonstrations took place, principally in connection with the Tiao Yu Tai (Senkaku) Islands issue. One which took place without permission in Victoria Park on July 7 led to some disorder, as a result of which 22 people were arrested and later appeared in court. All were found guilty of unlawful assembly but were given an absolute discharge. However nine defendants were fined sums ranging from $75 to $400 for additional charges which arose out of their appearance in court.
The increase in crime, though still far less than in major cities in other countries, caused much public concern, many people calling for sterner measures to be taken against criminals. Sir David Trench in his final speech to the Legislative Council on October 1, referred to the 'disturbing and continuously rising incidence of
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