Safe city: Commissioner of Police Dick Lee (centre) says the law-and-order situation remained stable throughout 2003 despite a 16.5% rise in overall crime.

Law and order remained stable throughout 2003 with falls in serious crimes like homicide, rape and robbery, and in particular robberies with firearms.

In his year-end review today, Commissioner of Police Dick Lee said despite a 16.5% rise in overall crime, robberies fell 8%, homicides dropped 24.6%, rapes were down 26.3% and serious narcotic offences fell 4.5%.

Earlier last year, Police set six operational targets. One of those was to maintain the fight against violent crime, particularly those involving firearms.

Last year, Police successfully neutralised 12 armed gangs, arresting 67 suspects and seizing 28 genuine firearms.

"I am pleased to note that throughout last year there was no case of robbery involving the use of genuine firearms in Hong Kong," Mr Lee said, adding that Police will continue their close co-operation with Mainland and overseas law-enforcement agencies and use intelligence-based operations against criminals and activities, particularly cases involving firearms.

On the fight against triad activities and their source of income, Mr Lee said Police successfully conducted four undercover operations last year, resulting in the neutralisation of four syndicates and 303 arrests.

On 'quick-cash crime', he said Police will ensure the strategic deployment of resources to problem areas and the optimal use of intelligence. Efforts have also been made to enhance public awareness of preventive measures.

On terrorism, Mr Lee said that while there was no indication Hong Kong is a likely target for terrorist attacks, Police will maintain the highest level of vigilance and operational readiness.

"We will maintain close liaison with neighbouring and overseas law-enforcement agencies to ensure receipt of timely intelligence, and continually review our own security arrangements to ensure Hong Kong remains one of the safest places in the world," he said.

The other operational target was to maintain enforcement action against the trafficking and abuse of dangerous drugs, particularly psychotropic substances, by young people.

Mr Lee said Police continue to adopt a multi-faceted approach to combating drugs and this will be achieved through strengthening ties with Mainland and overseas law-enforcement agencies, the adoption of a multi-agency approach here, carrying out intelligence-based operations, enhancing publicity and optimising use of legislation.

Last year, the total number of people and young people under 21 arrested for offences involving psychotropic drugs fell 14% and 24.6%, respectively.

To tackle the problem of two-way permit holders getting involved in illegal activities, Mr Lee said Police have formed an inter-departmental task force to enhance intelligence exchange with Mainland authorities to maintain vigilance against visitor crime.

Last year, 4,754 illegal Mainland workers and 10,773 Mainland prostitutes were arrested.

Looking ahead, Mr Lee said that in view of the success achieved in the 2003 Operational Targets, Police will continue with these targets and aim for even better results to ensure that Hong Kong remains a stable and prosperous city.

He said Police will make road safety this year's seventh operational target in the wake of a rise in fatal traffic accidents.

He said the Road Safety Campaign will increase publicity on road safety awareness and strategically deploy Police at known traffic blackspots.

Besides implementing selective traffic enforcement policy, he said the Police presence at major thoroughfares will be maintained to ensure smooth traffic-flow and prompt enforcement action against motorists driving inconsiderately.