*************************************************

    In response to reports in some papers today (June 18) concerning the use of pinhole cameras for security surveillance in Cheung Sha Wan Post Office, the Post Office makes clarifications as follows:

(1) Following several suspected theft cases that took place in Cheung Sha Wan Post Office, the Post Office made reports to the Police.  The pinhole cameras were installed to facilitate Police investigation.

(2) The pinhole cameras were sited in working areas, not in toilets nor changing areas.

(3) Video recordings of these cameras are viewed by designated management staff and only when the suspected theft case recurs.

(4) The recording system has a limited capacity and when this is exceeded, old footages will be automatically erased and replaced by new recordings.  The Post Office does not maintain permanent records.

(5) For purposes of monitoring postal operations and security, CCTV cameras are commonly installed in sorting centres and selected Post Offices. The use of pinhole devices with concealed cameras for investigation into specific cases is very rare. The Cheung Sha Wan Post Office incident is an isolated one.

Ends/Saturday, June 18, 2005

NNNN