ENG-1998 — Page 350

PUBLIC ORDER

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campaigns. Close links are maintained with the main committee, through regular gatherings and the biennial conference of all members of the district and main committees. In November 1998, all District Fight Crime Committee members participated in the Fight Crime Conference held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre which provided a useful forum for members to discuss areas of concern and ways to combat crime.

Police Force

The Hong Kong Police Force has operational responsibilities for crime prevention and detection, the maintenance of law and order, traffic matters and the detection of illegal immigration. The 34 622-strong force consists of 28 585 disciplined staff and 6 037 civilians. There are also 5 721 volunteer citizens of the Hong Kong Auxiliary Police Force.

The Handover anniversary celebrations and visits by President Jiang Zemin and President Bill Clinton in July were the high points of the year characterised by a series of activities. More than 2 000 officers from the Police Tactical Unit (PTU), VIP Protection Unit, Force Search Cadre, Force Escort Group, Special Duties Unit, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, Police Dog Unit and other non-front-line units were mobilised to ensure public safety, manage crowds and traffic and counter any security threat. The police worked closely with the main organising bodies and other agencies in the development and subsequent implementation of security plans. Good rapport was developed among all parties concerned and the protection service provided was highly regarded.

The unprecedented airport relocation operation, which began in May, culminated in the crucial 'night move' on July 5. More than 1 000 officers were deployed at both airports and along the relocation routes. Police provided escort services for large loads, implemented road closures and maintained crowd control. Crucial to the success of the operation was the continued functioning of Kai Tak Airport while equipment was simultaneously moved unhindered to the new airport. The whole operation was conducted smoothly.

Crime

Reported crimes in 1998 totalled 71 962, an increase of 6.8 per cent compared with 67 367 crimes recorded in 1997. The crime rate stood at 1076.1 cases per 100 000 of the population, an increase of 3.9 per cent, compared with 1997. Despite the slight increase, the force's dedication in maintaining the law and order of Hong Kong ensured that the Special Administrative Region (SAR) remained one of the most secure and stable cities in the world.

Violent crimes, including murder, wounding, serious assault, rape, indecent assault, kidnapping, blackmail, criminal intimidation, robbery and arson, increased to 14 682 cases, compared with 13 749 in 1997. Robbery, wounding and serious assault accounted for some 70.9 per cent of the total number of violent crimes in 1998.

Vehicle theft rose slightly after four years of decline. In 1998, 2 409 motor vehicles were reported missing, a rise of 10.3 per cent compared with 1997. There were 57 robberies involving the use of firearms, both genuine and pistol-like objects, a decrease of 27.8 per cent compared with 1997.