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Police New Territories North (NTN) Region initiated an operation codenamed "Megastrength" in July to prevent young people from being lured by criminals and triad gangsters into committing crimes. After months of intelligence gathering, special operations were conducted from October 25 to 27, resulting in the arrest of 57 persons for crimes including trafficking in dangerous drugs, criminal intimidation, disorderly conduct and triad related offences.
"Operation Megastrength" aims at preventing teenagers from committing crimes, in particular during the summer holidays, or being influenced or harmed by criminals while performing normal activities in the community, through publicity, education, patrols and enforcement.
Since the Operation began in July, the Crime Headquarters of NTN Region has deployed officers to gather intelligence and collect evidence in Tuen Mun and Tin Shui Wai areas.
In the past three days, special operations turned overt at various locations in Kowloon and the New Territories with the arrest of 57 persons, including 51 men and 6 women, aged between 13 and 33. There were 21 students among the arrestees. Police also seized a small amount of ketamine and exhibits including some weapons. Some of the arrestees are still being detained.
Apart from the above special operations, police officers turned out over 900 times during the summer holidays to conduct inspections on establishments frequented by teenagers, such as amusement game centres and internet cafes. Forty-two people were arrested for crimes including assault, trafficking in dangerous drugs and unlawful assembly.
In the aspect of crime prevention, Police held 78 meetings with school social workers and parent-teacher associations to discuss crime prevention initiatives and distributed over 13,000 leaflets at various locations including border control points, shopping arcades, amusement game centres and internet cafes.
Police will continue to step up enforcement and work closely with schools, parent-teacher associations, youth groups, the Social Welfare Department and the Education Bureau to combat youth crime by a multi-agency approach. Community and educational activities will also be organised to promote civic-mindedness and youth awareness of crime prevention.
Overall in Operation Megastrength, Police arrested 99 persons, including 88 males and 11 females, aged between 13 and 33. Among them 35 were students.
Add Police Report No. 7
Issued by PPRB
Ends/Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Issued at HKT 18:52
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