Crime situation in 2017
Indecent assault
Referring to paragraph 18 of the Police’s paper, Mr CHAN Chun-ying asked how the Police would cooperate with public transport companies to combat indecent assault on board public transport. He said that as female passengers were more likely to be victims to indecent assault in crowded train compartments, consideration should be given to establishing “female-only” train compartments.
CP responded that the Police maintained close communication with MTRCL on prevention of indecent assault and the installation of closed-circuit television cameras (“CCTVs”) at new stations. Patrol was carried out by plain clothed and uniformed police officers in train compartments and stations. Publicity was also launched to alert public transport passengers to remain vigilant against indecent assault. The Police would continue to collaborate with MTRCL to prevent such crime.
Crime related to money lending
Referring to paragraphs 10 and 12 of the Police’s paper, Mr CHAN Chun-ying asked whether the number of cases of criminal intimidation, wounding and serious assault relating to debt collection had decreased after introduction of the new regulatory measures to tackle money lending-related malpractices.
CP responded that with the efforts of the Police, new regulatory measures to tackle money lending-related malpractices and the broadcasting of relevant Announcements of Public Interest (借錢梗要還 咪俾錢中介) via televisions and radios, the number of cases of criminal intimidation, wounding and serious assault relating to money lenders and intermediaries had decreased from 215 in 2016 to 82 in 2017.