The number of crimes reported in the first half of 2023 was 42,923 cases, a 36.5% increase over the same period in 2022, mainly due to a rise of over 6,400 deception cases and society’s resumption of normalcy.

The number of deception cases increased 52.1% to 18,743 in the first half of 2023. More than 75% of the reports were Internet-related.

The majority of cases were e-shopping scams, phishing scams, employment fraud, investment fraud and telephone deception - a jump ranging from 23% to one-fold.

The Anti-Deception Coordination Centre intercepted over $600 million in payments and prevented victims of 192 deception cases from wiring money to fraudsters.

Police noted that although the increase in deception cases led to the rise of overall crime, over the past six months, the increase in fraud cases had already moderated.

While the number in the first quarter of 2023 represented an increase of 65% over the same period last year, the pace of increase was narrowed to 42% in the second quarter when compared to the same period in 2022.

There were 4,759 violent crime cases, a rise of 16.5%.

The number of robbery and burglary cases registered an increase of 43.9% and 50.1%.

The force explained that the rise in burglary cases was mostly attributed to those involving residential premises. Burglars had apparently preyed on homes which were left unattended when people had resumed work, schooling and trips.

Citizens are advised to properly lock windows and doors and take anti-theft measures.

As for National Security Law enforcement, as at June 30 this year, Police arrested a total of 260 people, around 60% of which have been charged.

Police reiterated that Hong Kong's overall law and order situation remained stable, adding that compared with other international cities, it has all along been maintaining a low crime rate.