ENG-1997 — Page 341

PUBLIC ORDER

Violent Crime (Firearms Only)

The number of robberies involving the use of genuine firearms rose slightly during the first half of the year for the first time since 1993, although no high-powered firearms surfaced. Sustained Police enforcement activity contained the situation and there were 13 robberies involving the use of genuine firearms compared with seven reported in 1996.

Vehicle Theft

The overall vehicle theft situation has improved. There were many contributory factors, but high-profile local enforcement measures in conjunction with enhanced cross-border co-operation between Hong Kong and Mainland authorities have played instrumental roles.

Most of the stolen luxury vehicles were believed to have been smuggled into the Mainland overland by containers, although some were smuggled by sea using sandbarges. The use of high-powered speed boats in vehicle smuggling declined. substantially.

There was a rising trend of left-hand-drive vehicles stolen in the United States, Taiwan and Japan being smuggled into the Mainland via Hong Kong. Close liaison between Hong Kong Police and overseas counterparts has led to the interception of several major consignments in Hong Kong.

Organised Crime and Triads

Throughout the year, the fight against triads and organised criminal syndicates continued. Operations were mounted against triad involvement in public entertainment, prostitution, decoration-racketeering, debt-collection, loan-sharking and other associated activities. Long-term, intelligence-based and undercover operations resulted in many prosecutions. Senior triad members were arrested and prosecuted for various triad-related offences in several major operations.

Action against loan-sharks continued to be a high priority. Several syndicates were neutralised and convicted.

The Organised and Serious Crimes Ordinance, which was fully implemented in 1995, continued to enhance the Force's drive against triads and organised crime. During 1997, the special investigative powers were used in a number of major investigations.

During the year 782 money laundering cases were prosecuted and $7.9 million, being the proceeds of various crimes, was confiscated. A further $40.6 million was under restraint pending court proceedings. Ten investigations were launched into the channelling of the proceeds of crimes committed overseas, into or through Hong Kong.

In addition, during 1997 there were 18 successful applications to the courts to enhance the defendants' sentences in triad-related or serious crimes.

Witness Protection Unit

This centralised body co-ordinates the Force's Witness Protection Programme. It consists of 34 officers, supported by a volunteer cadre of 64 officers, who can be

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