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    Following is the transcript (English portion) of remarks made by the Secretary for Security, Mr Ambrose S K Lee, after the Fight Crime Committee meeting today (April 30):

Secretary for Security: This morning, the Fight Crime Committee has held its meeting. We have reviewed the crime situation of the first quarter of 2005. I am glad to report that the overall crime figure continued to drop for the first three months of this year, a drop of almost six per cent. We have recorded a decrease in burglary cases and serious narcotics offences. Contrary to this trend, we have seen a slight increase in violent crime, mainly because there is some increase in criminal intimidation cases. I am also glad to report that the number of juvenile and young offenders has dropped by as much as 11 and 21 per cent respectively. Overall, the law and order situation in Hong Kong is still very stable. Hong Kong remains one of the safest cities in the world.

Reporter: I have a question on violent crimes. It seems that it is increasing despite there is an overall drop in crimes. Is it something that you are concerned because there are a number of international events coming up ... ?

Secretary for Security : It is true that the number of violent crime rose a little bit by as much as 2.8 per cent. It is mainly attributed to the increase of what we call criminal intimidation offences. Now, of these criminal intimidation offences, the majority of these offences related to disputes between individuals. I think the number of criminal intimidation that related to triad activities remains rather stable, I think, at less than 10 per cent. At this moment, I don't think it is something that we should be concerned too much. Of course, you mentioned about the events that are coming up in the latter part of this year, that is another issue. The Police and our colleagues in other departments have formed a steering committee to oversee the whole event. We will prepare for any eventualities.

Reporter : ... the drug situation ...

Secretary for Security: We are definitely concerned about the increase in psychotropic drug users in recent years. And that is why Dr Choi (Yuen-wan) just mentioned that the Fight Crime Committee spent quite some time this morning to discuss the issue and to formulate policies to deal with the problem. Let's see what is going to develop in the coming months.

Reporter : Another big event, the Disney opening. There is some concern as there are lots of people coming in.  Some concern about crowd control problems. Can you share with us whether the Police have contingency plans in that area?

Secretary for Security : I think the Police have got themselves well prepared for these coming events. We are pretty confident that we have the resources and expertise to handle this big event that is coming up in Hong Kong.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)

Ends/Saturday, April 30, 2005

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