Forty citizens who helped the Police fight crime were commended at the Good Citizen Award (GCA) Presentation Ceremony today (September 20).

     Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Director of Personnel and Training of Police, Mr Li Kin-fai, pointed out that the law and order situation remained stable in the first half of 2017. A total of 28,309 cases of crime were recorded, representing a decrease of 1,233 cases over the same period last year and a record-low level since 1979. It was attributed to the concerted efforts of the Police and the community.

     He believed that members of the public are willing to join hands with the Police to fight against crime and uphold the rule of law, making Hong Kong one of the safest and most stable societies in the world. Being the best example, he commended the courage of the GCA recipients today.

     Mr Li took the opportunity to thank the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce for sponsoring this meaningful programme, which encourages members of the public to report crime and stand up for justice. He also thanked the Fight Crime Committee and District Fight Crime Committee members for their contributions in maintaining law and order.
  
     With the help of the awardees, more than 30 persons were arrested for a variety of offences including robbery, theft, wounding, outraging public decency and criminal damage.

     The youngest awardee of the ceremony is Mr Lee Chu-fung, aged 14. He witnessed a man stealing the wallet of a woman at a street in July this year. After alerting the woman, Mr Lee made a report to the Police and put the man under observation until Police arrival. The man was later convicted of theft and sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment.

     Presented twice a year, the Award is organised by the Police Public Relations Branch and sponsored by the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce. Each of the awardees receives a certificate and a cheque of $3,000. More than 4,000 persons have been commended over the years.

Ends/Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Issued at HKT 17:59

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