Crime fighter: Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee says all efforts will be taken to stop any firearms from being smuggled into Hong Kong.

The overall crime figure in January went up 2.5% over a year earlier to nearly 6,800 cases mainly due to increases in theft and criminal intimidation, Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee says, adding all efforts will be taken to stop any firearms from being smuggled into Hong Kong.

Speaking on the city's overall crime situation, Mr Lee noted the number of violent crimes increased 10%, as criminal intimidation and serious assault cases went up about 165% and 12%.

Unlawful society offences, robberies with pistol-like objects and blackmail also surged about 119%, 50% and 44% to 79, three and 49 cases.

Mr Lee said he is concerned about the number of offences involving firearms. Police will take all efforts and find every means to investigate every case, and work with Mainland and overseas counterparts to stop any firearms from being smuggled into Hong Kong.

"We will also enhance our communication and the exchange of intelligence and information to stop the smuggling of these firearms at source," he added.

On the juvenile and youth crime situation, Mr Lee said the situation has remained stable, with a total of 470 juveniles and 440 young people arrested. The number of Mainland visitors committing criminal offences in Hong Kong remained low as compared with the total number of arrivals, with only 201 arrests.

Seizures of heroin, ice surge 

Turning to drug seizures, the total amount of heroin and methylamphetamine (ice) was 11kg and 8kg, representing a surge of nearly 267% and 167%. On the other hand, the amount of cannabis and ketamine seized dropped 88% and 50% to 4kg and 1kg.

Mr Lee said a multi-pronged approach, including enforcement and education, will be adopted to tackle drug abuse.

When asked about the situation of forged Renminbi notes in Hong Kong, Mr Lee noted the number of such fake notes has increased with the widespread use of the Renminbi in Hong Kong.

"I think that requires the cooperation among Hong Kong, Mainland and overseas law enforcement agencies to try to trace the source of these fake notes - where they are manufactured, where they are printed and then to take enforcement actions," he added.