ENG-2007 — Page 358

302 Public Order

Educating the public on information technology (IT) security awareness remained a high priority. During the year, TCD held a number of seminars, including a 'Bank Fraud Seminar' attended by 300 members of the local IT and banking industries.

Narcotics

Combating illicit drugs continued to be a priority for the Police Force. Every effort was also made through publicity and education to reduce drug abuse.

The Narcotics Bureau's joint efforts with the Mainland and its overseas counterparts to interdict cross-boundary and international trafficking activities led to numerous arrests. The Police seized many large consignments of drugs, reducing market supply substantially. Of particular significance was the discovery of several large cannabis farms during the year. The number of people arrested for drug-related offences increased by 22.1 per cent compared with the number in 2006. There was a notable increase in the number of young people arrested for drugs offences.

Financial Investigation

During the year, the Police participated in a number of local and international initiatives to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. The Police provided training in financial investigation for local and overseas law enforcement officers and held seminars for various professions to raise their awareness about money laundering and terrorist financing.

In November, the Narcotics Bureau's Financial Investigation Division assisted in coordinating the on-site phase of the mutual evaluation of Hong Kong's anti-money laundering regime by the inter-governmental policy-making body, the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering.

Illegal Immigration

During the year, 3 007 illegal immigrants from the Mainland were arrested by the Police, a decrease of 5 per cent compared to 3 173 in 2006. A total of 2 041 Vietnamese illegal immigrants and other non-ethnic Chinese illegal immigrants were arrested, representing an increase of over 130 per cent compared with 2006. The increase was attributable to the successful joint operations carried out by the Police, Immigration Department and their Mainland counterparts. Close liaison with the Guangdong Border Defence Bureau through regular meetings and exchange of intelligence was maintained.

Crime Prevention

The Crime Prevention Bureau plays a key role in keeping the general public fully informed of how to better protect themselves.

In 2007, the bureau provided a full schedule of mobile displays for the general public at housing estates, and 'Robotcop' shows at schools for young people. In addition to the various seminars held for government departments, schools and commercial organisations, the Bureau introduced new crime prevention courses for staff of the Police Community Relations Office and for trainee detectives.