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Following is the transcript (English portion) of the remarks by the Secretary for Security, Mr Ambrose S K Lee, at a media session held after the Fight Crime Committee meeting this afternoon (February 8):
Secretary for Security: This afternoon the Fight Crime Committee has reviewed the crime statistics for 2006. By and large, there has been a slight increase in the total number of crimes, recording an increase of 4.8%. Violent crime also recorded an increase of 6.9%. Despite the slight increase, Hong Kong still remains a very secure city. Of the increase in the number of crimes, we have noticed that crimes like deception, wounding and serious assault, have recorded some increases. But on the other hand, we have noticed that there has been a decrease in criminal damage cases.
On crimes committed by overseas visitors, last year we recorded over 13 million Mainland visitors. We have noticed that despite an increase in the number of Mainland visitors, the number of crimes committed by Mainland visitors has recorded a decrease. So by and large, Hong Kong remains a very safe and secure city.
Reporter: Are you concerned that there may be an influx of fake Renminbi notes passing into Hong Kong during the Lunar New Year period when a lot of people are crossing the border?
Secretary for Security: We have noticed that with the increase in the number of Mainland visitors, the circulation of Renminbi is also on the increase. But I can assure the community that our police officers have the determination and the ability to counter the use of counterfeit Renminbi. And, we have also liaised with the retail industry as well as banks, teaching them how to differentiate between genuine and counterfeit Renminbi.
Reporter: (on drug seizure and drug abuse)
Secretary for Security: We seized more drugs last year especially on the number of drugs like ketamine, ecstasy and cocaine, all because we have stepped up our enforcement action at our control points.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Thursday, February 8, 2007
Issued at HKT 19:22
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