ENG-1999 — Page 350

PUBLIC ORDER

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The strengthening of boundary control checks by the Mainland authorities and vigorous enforcement measures taken locally contributed to the drop in the theft of luxury vehicles, tractors and goods vehicles.

Organised Crime and Triads

The organised crime and triad situation remained stable as in previous years. Triads were involved mostly in extortion, loansharking, illegal gambling, prostitution and debt collection. There were 2 872 triad-related cases which represented only 3.7 per cent of the overall reported crime in 1999. The figure has been dropping in the past five years, the average of which was about 4 per cent.

There was a sharp increase in crime reports related to debt collection. The number of such reports in 1999 were 3 323, compared with 1 464 in 1998 and 447 in 1997. The economic downturn in the past two years was thought to be the main factor contributing to the rise. Orders on new handling procedures and strategies, and also covering preventive measures and intelligence gathering, were issued to officers to ensure prompt and thorough handling of such reports.

During the year, a total of 11 cases were prosecuted under the Organised and Serious Crimes Ordinance and $136,000, being the proceeds of various crimes, was confiscated. A further $20,880,000 was restrained pending court proceedings. Close liaison with the Mainland authorities and overseas law enforcement agencies was maintained, resulting in the neutralisation of syndicates which channelled proceeds of crime in and out of Hong Kong.

There were four successful applications for increasing defendants' sentences for triad-related and organised crimes. On average, the length of sentence was increased by 25 per cent.

Witness Protection

Co-ordinating the Government's Witness Protection Programme (with the exception of one run by the Independent Commission Against Corruption), the Witness. Protection Unit provides a wide range of protective measures specific to the needs of individual witnesses assessed as being exposed to a genuine physical risk. The Witness Protection Bill, which provides a framework for the Witness Protection Programme, has been introduced into the Legislative Council. The bill also provides for a system enabling high-risk witnesses to change their identity.

Vulnerable Witnesses and Child Protection

The Child Protection Policy Unit (CPPU) is committed to protecting children from abuse. In 1999, the five Regional Child Abuse Investigation Units (CAIU) investigated 141 cases (116 sexual abuse and 25 physical abuse). Joint investigations were conducted with officers of the Social Welfare Department (SWD) in cases that required immediate social work intervention. CAIUs also provide assistance to other Crime Investigation Teams by giving advice and interviewing child victims and witnesses.

Interviews of children take place in one of five child-friendly video interview suites in non-police premises. These suites have advanced facilities for forensic examinations.