There were 51,943 crime cases in the first eight months of the year, down 2.8% on the same period last year, with violent crime down 2.7% to 9,560.

Announcing the figures after the Fight Crime Committee meeting today, Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee said deception, theft and criminal damage cases fell 8.6%, 3.6% and 3.3%. Snatchings fell 20.8% and theft from vehicles dropped 20.7%.

"Hong Kong remains a safe and secure place to live and work," Mr Lee said.

However, there were 27 homicides, up 80% on last year, and serious drug offences also rose 7.6%, with burglaries up 5.2% and arson up 3%.

The commercial crime situation has remained stable while serious fraud figures fell to a low level with only two cases involving credit cards, three involving the Internet and two involving modelling firms.

While bankruptcy frauds recorded a big drop to 11 cases, street deceptions rose to 150, which was 62 more than the same period last year. More than 2,020 Hong Kong fake banknotes - mainly $500 and $100 notes - were seized, down 45%. But the number of bogus renminbi notes rose 41%.

On the rumours involving the Bank of East Asia Mr Lee said Police are investigating the case and tracking the source. He said there is no evidence showing it is an organised act so far. He warned people not to attempt to spread malicious or untrue messages to disrupt Hong Kong's financial sector.