Overall crime rate drops

There were a total of 12,821 violent crime cases recorded, a 2% drop. Violent crimes including robbery, burglary, blackmail, arson, serious assault, and youth crimes, hit a 10-year low.
 
Noting that most crime categories recorded a fall, Mr Tsang said increases were recorded for deception (+12.9%), rape and indecent assault (+33%), serious drug (+4.7%), and criminal damage (+3.7%) offences.
 
A total of 6,923 cases of deception were registered, up 12.9%. Increases were mainly seen in email scams (+415 cases), online business fraud (+217), and telephone deception (+398).
 
Serious drug offences totalled 2,141, up 4.7%. While cases involving ice and ketamine rose, decreases were recorded in heroin and cocaine.
 
As a result of enforcement actions by government agencies, there was an increase in drug seizures, including ketamine (+448kg, or a 1.6-fold increase), ice (+34kg or 87.2%), cannabis (+9kg or 19.6%), and cocaine (+6kg or 0.8%).
 
There were 6,522 people under the age of 21 arrested in 2012, a decrease of 1,171. They mainly committed wounding and serious assault, shop theft, and miscellaneous theft offences.
 
Mr Tsang said Police will liaise with public event organisers to enhance mutual understanding to ensure order and safety during public meetings and processions. He said of the 50 people arrested in 2012 during public activities, more than 60% of them were involved in common assault and criminal damage.
 
Mr Tsang also introduced the Commissioner’s Operational Priorities for 2013, which include action against violent crime, triads, syndicated and organised crime, drugs, quick-cash crime, technology crime, public safety, and terrorism.
 
"I hope the public will continue to support and assist the Police in fulfilling our responsibility of keeping law and order to ensure Hong Kong remains one of the safest cities in the world."