Hong Kong, Guangdong and Macau police representatives have met in Foshan City, Guangdong, to discuss the possible impact of the implementation of CEPA and the Individual Visitors' Scheme on law and order.

Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Chau Foo-cheong said after today's meeting there are concerns about a possible rise in cross-boundary crime with enhanced economic exchanges and an increase in boundary-crossing passengers.

The three parties have established a notification system for Mainland visitors who commit crime during their stay in Hong Kong and Macau.

A wide range of issues were also discussed, including organised crime, triad activities, drug offences, commercial and Internet crime, forgeries and cross-boundary vice.

"Following the meetings held in the last three years, the three parties have enhanced co-operation in the exchange of information and intelligence and launching tripartite operations to combat cross-boundary crime," Mr Chau said.

During the period from September 15 to 24, law enforcers in the three jurisdictions launched a series of joint operations targeting cross-boundary triad activities.

In the 10-day operation, HK Police mobilised 4,763 officers and arrested 1,041 suspects (including 620 men and 421 women) after raiding 1,328 entertainment premises and seizing some $292,000 cash. Two workshops engaged in manufacturing pirated discs, 10 illegal gambling dens and 15 vice establishments were shut down.

The tripartite meeting is a bi-annual event, which provides the opportunity for crime investigation chiefs to exchange views on strategies against cross boundary crime and discuss ways to further enhance the existing liaison mechanism.