Crime curtail: Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee says Hong Kong's overall crime rate in the first 10 months fell 0.6% over a year earlier.

Hong Kong's overall crime rate in the first 10 months fell 0.6% over a year earlier, Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee says, adding the city's crime situation is stable.

Speaking after the Fight Crime Committee meeting today, Mr Lee said violent crime rose 0.8% - with increases recorded for indecent assault, rape and serious drug offences.

A downward trend was recorded for crimes such as robbery, burglary and car theft, while the number of juveniles arrested rose 2.8%.

Although the seizure of ketamine dropped 91.7%, and that of ecstasy dropped 20.9%, a significant rise was seen in the seizure of 'ice' - which surged 1,275% - and cocaine, which grew 184.6%.

Efforts to combat drug offences

Noting the Government attaches great importance to drug offences, Mr Lee said the inter-departmental task force the Secretary for Justice chaired had held its first meeting and had discussed the group's future direction.

Relevant departments will review their existing jobs to see if there is any need to introduce new services or enhance the current services. They will report to the task force at their next meeting.

When asked why there was an 81.5% rise in domestic violence, Mr Lee attributed it to the Government's enhanced publicity and education which has encouraged more victims to come forward. He said the situation has stabilised.

Responding to the recent crackdown on an underground bank on the Mainland, the secretary reminded Hong Kong business people to comply with the rules of the jurisdictions in which they are doing business. 

He said Hong Kong has an effective regime to tackle money laundering and terrorist financing, and has maintained good liaisons with the Mainland and overseas law enforcement agencies.

Clean election

On the scuffles and violent actions that broke out during recent election activities, Mr Lee said Hong Kong people do not tolerate any kind of violence.

He urged the upcoming Legislative Council by-election candidates and their supporters to stay calm and exercise restraint to keep the election clean, fair and impartial. All illegal or violent actions will be dealt with according to laws.