Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee has reiterated that Hong Kong remains one of the world's safest cities, despite a slight rise in the crime rate. The figure for January-July rose 3.8% on the same period last year, to 46,282 cases.

After meeting with the Fight Crime Committee today, Mr Lee said violent crime grew 8.6% to 8,399 cases. The number of bank robberies rose 110% to 21, while criminal intimidation grew 18.4% to 901 cases.

"The number of crimes involving juveniles remains stable and the number of drug addicts is decreasing. There is a trend of young people abusing psychotropic drugs like ketamine. The number of crimes involving visitors or illegal immigrants remains stable," he said, adding that Hong Kong's crime figures are low compared with Tokyo, Toronto, New York and London.

Mr Lee hailed the record seizure of 550kg of ketamine by Police in Tsuen Wan yesterday. "The seizure reflected the exchange of intelligence between Hong Kong law enforcement agencies and counterparts in other parts of the world. We will try to step up our law enforcement actions in Hong Kong and enforce co-operation with other enforcement agencies around the world," he said, adding that Hong Kong is not a serious transit point for drug smuggling. "Of course, Hong Kong is a very busy port. We cannot rule out some illegal syndicates trying their luck by using Hong Kong."

With the fifth anniversary of the 911 terrorist attacks coming up, Mr Lee said Police will stay alert and maintain close contact with overseas agencies, adding that the level of terrorist threat in Hong Kong is only moderate. The Government will also ensure the 2008 Olympic equestrian events will be held smoothly.