ENG-2019 — Page 306

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Public Order

Crime

Reported crimes in the first half of 2019 totalled 25,295, a decrease of 1,255 cases, or 4.7 per cent, from the same period of 2018. Overall crime figures were at a record low since 1977, when half-year crime statistics were first kept. The downward trend in crime figures reversed in June, when the city started seeing the first of many processions and demonstrations that turned violent. A hard core of rioters hurled petrol bombs and bricks, lit fires, vandalised and burned shops and public transport facilities, and assaulted people with different views, causing a deterioration in the law and order situation. Considerable police manpower was deployed to handle these public order events and the violent acts of rioters. Routine policing work, such as crime prevention and patrols, was inevitably affected as a result. Despite the challenges, the police continue to stand fast and enforce the law without fear or favour to enable society to return to normal as soon as possible.

In 2019, 59,225 crimes were recorded, an increase of 9.2 per cent over 54,225 crimes recorded in 2018. The crime rate went up by 8.4 per cent to 789 cases per 100,000 population. There were 9,690 violent crimes, up 9.1 per cent. Robberies rose 42.9 per cent to 210 and burglaries increased 52 per cent to 2,394. Thefts numbered 20,761, down 2.6 per cent.

Of the reported crimes, 37.1 per cent, or 21,965 cases, were detected, resulting in the arrest of 28,058 persons. Among these, 1,140 were juveniles aged between 10 and 15, while 3,128 were young persons aged between 16 and 20. Arrests of youths were mostly for offences against public order, wounding and serious assault, and criminal damage.

The number of triad-related crimes decreased 21.1 per cent to 1,353 compared with 2018, accounting for 2.3 per cent of all reported crimes in 2019.

The police strive to combat triad activities by mounting enforcement action and intelligence- led operations in Hong Kong, targeting triad expansion and sources of income. The police also participate in the annual tripartite operation codenamed 'Thunderbolt' with the Guangdong Provincial Public Security Department and Macao Unitary Police Service.

Commercial Crime

The Commercial Crime Bureau tackles serious commercial crime and the counterfeiting of monetary instruments. In 2019, the bureau's Fraud and Money Laundering Intelligence Taskforce facilitated 24 intelligence-led operations, resulting in the arrest of 58 persons and interception of crime proceeds of $575 million. The Anti-Deception Coordination Centre intercepted over $3 billion of crime proceeds and coordinated the arrests of 148 persons, while the anti-scam helpline 18222 provided services to the public in 18,799 calls. In October, a new International Stop Payment Mechanism was established jointly with Interpol to mitigate losses.

Cyber Security and Technology Crime

The Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau combats technology crime and maintains Hong Kong's cyber security through partnership with the community, stakeholders and overseas law enforcement agencies. During the year, 8,322 technology crimes were reported, involving a total monetary loss of $2.91 billion. An international Cyber Command Course was held to exchange knowledge and techniques on combating technology crimes with law

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