The number of crimes reported in Hong Kong in 2020 was 63,232 cases, an increase of 6.8% compared with 2019.

Releasing crime figures for 2020 today, Police said the increase in overall crimes was mainly due to the rise in over 7,000 deception cases.

In addition, blackmail and crime types that were detected by proactive police action, such as serious drug, serious gambling and organised vice offences, recorded relatively significant increases ranging from about 20% to 55%.  

The rise was mainly attributable to the fact that the violence and law-breaking situation arising from incidents relating to the extradition amendment bill have eased since last year, and Police have deployed resources flexibly and mounted intelligence-led operations to combat such offences proactively.

Police also noted that the types of crimes relating to the amendment bill incidents such as arson, criminal damage and offences against public order, also registered decreases ranging from about 10% to 70%, indicating that the law and order situation has gradually resumed stable.

Looking forward, the force will advance the work on safeguarding national security and focus on fighting and preventing crime.

It will also enhance community engagement and spare no effort in assisting the Government’s anti-epidemic work.