The overall crime rate increased 21.2% in the first quarter, rising from 17,854 last year to 21,647.

Speaking to reporters after the Fight Crime Committee Meeting today, Secretary for Security Regina Ip said there was a huge rise in the number of quick cash crime cases.

Among them, the number of thefts from vehicles was doubled when compared with the first quarter last year. An increase of 129% was also recorded in  pickpocketing.

She attributed the rise to the economic downturn and high employment rate.

Police will step up its publicity and patrols to tackle quick cash crime, Mrs Ip added.

Although the overall crime rate increased, there was a huge decline in the number of serious crimes such as robberies with firearms and goldsmith robberies. Both categories saw a 100% drop.

Speaking on the impact of atypical pneumonia on the crime situation, Mrs Ip said a drop in crime rate is expected because most Hong Kong people choose to stay at home amid the virus outbreak.

However, she warned that if unemployment continues to deteriorate, the number of quick-cash crimes might go up.