Safe city: Commissioner of Police Dick Lee says law and order improved in 2005, with the overall crime figure falling 4.8% to 77,437.

Law and order improved last year, with the overall crime figure falling 4.8% to 77,437. There were less robberies, burglaries, homicides, serious narcotics offences, snatchings, vehicle thefts and pickpocketing cases.

In his year-end review today, Commissioner of Police Dick Lee said the number of violent crimes was 13,890. Robberies fell 25.1%, burglaries 21.6%, homicides 24.4%, serious narcotics offences 17.9%, snatching 15.6%, vehicle theft 14.7% and pickpocketing 24.8%.

However, criminal intimidation, triad-related crimes, indecent assault and rape cases grew 24.4%, 9.2%, 9.9% and 7.6%.

There were 4,531 juveniles and 4,780 youngsters arrested, down 7.5% and 17.8%.

Debt collection

Police received over 20,000 debt-collection reports last year, with 11.7% involving criminal elements.

Noting the situation will not improve in the coming year, the commissioner proposed to explore new ways to deal with debt collection, such as revising laws to regulate it.

On manpower, Mr Lee said Police have been given approval to recruit over 1,200 staff in 2006-07. He hopes the exercise will relieve officers' heavy workload and pressure.

On terrorism, Mr Lee said the force will strengthen intelligence work, conduct regular exercises and provide timely risk assessment. It will also exchange intelligence and strengthen co-operation with overseas agencies to hinder drug running.

Mainlander crime

Despite a continuous rise in the number of Mainland visitors to Hong Kong, crimes committed by them have remained low, Mr Lee said.

"Through inter-departmental efforts, Police will continue to spare no efforts in combating illegal employment and prostitution. A strategic approach would be adopted in addressing street level crime, particularly pickpocketing and deception."

Mr Lee said the force has formulated a strategic action plan for the next three years.

"Apart from keeping up our day-to-day police duties for upholding law and order, we will strengthen our ability to deal with contingencies and large-scale events," he said.