The Secretary for Security, Cheong Kuoc Va today (23 Jan) concluded 2002 overall crime situation on a press conference that the public orders in the SAR remains stable.

According to statistics figures, a total of 9,088 crimes were recorded in 2002, a slight increased of 2% over 2001. However, there is a significant decrease in serious crimes such as murder, arson, kidnap and drug trafficking.

Record of juvenile crimes has drop sharply by 32% to 120 cases. Mr. Cheung stressed that the authority would continue to watch closely over the issue of juvenile crimes regardless of the improvement.

While increased patrols and investigations have effectively drove drug trafficking to a decrease of 30.3%. Mr. Cheong said that authority would reinforce cooperation with Guangdong Police Department to tackle drug trafficking across the border.

Robbery, however were recorded to have increased, among other violent crimes which shown a 6% increase, said Mr. Cheong, adding that the overall situation had improved since August as the police stepped up on crime prevention measures.

As usuries shown a tendency to go trans-border, the authority will continue to strengthen the connection and exchange information with neighboring regions to combat illegal activities, and thus to ensure the healthy development of the gaming industry.