Public Order | 341
Violent Crimes Involving Firearms
Incidents involving the use of firearms remained very low. Stringent gun control laws, intelligence-led operations and exchange of intelligence with Mainland police authorities have been effective in curbing the illegal import of firearms into Hong Kong. In 2004, there were three reported cases, compared with four cases in 2003. A total of 15 firearms were seized as a result of police operations, thus reducing the possibility of firearms being used in the actual commission of crime.
Vehicle Crime
In 2004, 1 740 vehicles were reported missing, a decrease of 24.4 per cent compared with 2 301 stolen vehicles in 2003. The number of luxury and high-performance vehicles reported missing continued to decline. Rigorous local enforcement action, enhanced boundary control, intelligence sharing with Mainland and overseas jurisdictions and various prevention campaigns contributed towards the reduction in vehicle thefts.
Organised Crime and Triads
The Police Force has maintained persistent and proactive enforcement against organised crime and triad activities. There were 2 346 triad-related cases in 2004, showing a steady decline in the number of triad-related crimes reported over the last few years.
The strategies employed by the Police Force in fighting triad-related activities proved to be very effective. Various intelligence-led operations succeeded in neutralising a number of syndicates engaging in vice-related activities. The Organised and Serious Crime Ordinance provisions were actively applied to seek enhanced sentencing of criminals upon conviction and confiscation of crime proceeds.
Trans-national cooperation has played a significant role in combating crime. Overseas law enforcement agencies made full use of the platform for exchange of intelligence and knowledge sharing. Given Hong Kong's proximity to the Mainland and Macao, police authorities of the three jurisdictions have maintained close cooperation in addressing cross-boundary organised criminal activities, including mounting strategic anti-crime operations targeting syndicated vice and triad activities.
Witness Protection
The Witness Protection Programme is administered by the Police Witness Protection Unit. The unit provides a wide range of protective measures as authorised by law to meet the needs of individual witnesses assessed as being exposed to a genuine threat of serious physical injury or death. The unit also assists and advises. other units and divisions in the Police Force on protection of witnesses who are under a lesser degree of threat.
Domestic Violence
The Child Protection Policy Unit is responsible for mapping out strategy, procedures and training on handling of spouse battering, child abuse and elder abuse. The Unit organised or participated in publicity programmes on the prevention
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.