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Following is a question by the Hon Andrew Cheng and a written reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Ambrose S K Lee, in the Legislative Council today (December 21):
Question:
I have recently received complaints that quite a number of motorcycles have been burnt in arson attacks in recent years. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
(a) of the number of cases in which motorcycles were allegedly burnt in arson attacks, the total number of motorcycles involved, and the percentage of detected cases in the total number of such cases in each of the past three years, as well as the general motives behind the arson attacks as reflected by the detected cases;
(b) whether the percentage of motorcycles burnt in arson attacks in the total number of motorcycles was higher than that of private cars in each of the past three years; if so, whether the authorities have reviewed the reasons for that; and
(c) how it can prevent the recurrence of similar crimes?
Reply:
Madam President,
(a) In 2003, 2004 and 2005 (up to November 30), the number of arson cases involving motorcycles is 15, 13 and 21 respectively and the number of motorcycles involved is 25, 22 and 47 respectively. In 2003 and 2005 (up to November 30), no such cases were detected. For 2004, one case was detected. The Police believe that the motives for committing the crime are usually malicious damage and the destruction of evidence after committing crimes.
(b) The figures indicate that the total number of private cars burnt in arson attacks is around 60 each year, and that of motorcycles is also below 50 each year. The number of vehicles damaged as a percentage of the total number of vehicle licensed is very small. In the past three years, the percentage of motorcycles and private cars burnt in arson attacks against the total number of motorcycles licensed and that of private cars licensed in each year are as follows:
Motorcycles Private cars
----------- ------------
2003 0.08% 0.02%
2004 0.07% 0.02%
2005 0.13% 0.02%
(Jan-Nov)
Generally speaking, motorcycles are usually parked in groups in parallel to each other. Their engine structures are also exposed. Thus if one of the motorcycles is on fire, the fire may spread to other motorcycles nearby. Therefore, the percentage of motorcycles burnt in arson attacks against the total number of motorcycles is higher than that of private cars. Taking 2005 (up to November 30) as an example, among the 21 cases, seven of them involved a number of motorcycles, and these seven cases already accounts for 80 per cent of the motorcycles burnt.
(c) The Police will step up patrols of the black spots of this kind of crimes. Besides, increased vigilance on the part of the public is also impatient to the prevention of such crimes. Members of the public should avoid parking motorcycles in places that are not well-lit or are under-managed, such as illegal parking areas (for example, in rear lanes and under flyovers). If members of the public witness any crimes, they should report them immediately so that the Police may take swift action to bring the criminals to justice.
Ends/Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Issued at HKT 12:50
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