Crime fighter: Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee says the Government will step up its education and publicity programme to raise young people's awareness of the consequences of committing crimes.

Although Hong Kong's overall crime rate in the first quarter rose 4.6% over a year earlier, the city is still secure and its law and order is under control, Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee says.

Speaking after the Fight Crime Committee meeting today, Mr Lee said the first quarter saw 20,149 crime cases.

Deceptions rose 25.5%, wounding and serious assault cases 11.5%, and serious narcotics offences 39.3%. Burglaries dropped 20.1%, robberies 28.3% and homicides 62.5%.

Noting there was a 17.5% rise in the number of juvenile offenders and 18.2% in young offenders in the quarter, Mr Lee said the Government will step up its education and publicity programme to raise young people's awareness of the consequences of committing crimes.

Enhanced enforcement by Police and Customs officers saw a rise in drug seizures. They seized 28kg of methylamphetamin in the quarter, up 1,300% over a year earlier. The seizure of cannabis rose 618.5% and that of ecstasy 665.8%. Nevertheless, seizure of ketamine fell 94.9%.

Domestic violence cases rose 120.6% to 1,780 cases. The secretary said Police have enhanced officers' training, including educating them how to identify such cases and how to follow up. Communication and co-operation among government departments have also been enhanced.