By and large, the law and order situation in Hong Kong is quite stable, with the overall crime figures dropping 8.1% in the first seven months of this year, Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee says.

Speaking to the media today after the Fight Crime Committee meeting, Mr Lee said the overall violent crime figure also recorded a decrease of 7.7% in the same period.

But there has been an increase in certain types of crimes like rape and the use of psychotropic drugs in Hong Kong, he said, adding that the Government will continue its effort to contain the increase in drugs in Hong Kong.

Noting that pickpocketing cases also increased, Mr Lee said police are increasing their efforts to deal with these types of crimes.

When asked to explain the increase in rape and pickpocketing cases, Mr Lee said there is no connection between the increase in these cases and the arrival of more Mainland visitors.

"As a matter of fact, Mainland visitors are sometimes actually the victims of pickpocketing crimes."

He said rape is a social crime. According to the facts gathered this year, most of the 50 rape cases were committed by the victims' friends or relatives.

"Obviously, we are very concerned, but the only thing that we can do at the moment is to remind Hong Kong people to be more watchful or careful and to report any cases of indecent assault or rape to our Police authorities."

Gov't to step up anti-drug promotion

He said the Government will put more effort in educating the public, particularly the younger generation, on the negative effects of abusing drugs and to know that this is a crime.

"It will ruin their career and their future. We will continue to cooperate with NGOs and like-minded organisations in stepping up our publicity."

He stressed that the Government has been doing a good job in combating drug problems.

"This is a trend worldwide. This is not particularly bad in Hong Kong. And we are doing very fine in Hong Kong."

Mr Lee said that the policeman who has been detained on the Mainland after being caught during anti-vice operations is returning to Hong Kong today, adding that the Police management will deal with the case.

Law enforcement agencies liaising on Alex Ho's case

On Alex Ho's case, he said he had met Mrs Ho last week.

"She had raised a couple of requests that we have done, like the Mainland authorities had promised to conduct a medical check-up for Mr Ho. And, Mrs Ho also wanted us to help her deliver some medicine to Mr Ho. The Mainland authorities also agreed that this can be done."

He said the officers in the Immigration Department are now liaising with Mrs Ho. If Mrs Ho wants further help, the Government will be happy to relay her requests to the Mainland authorities, he added.