Mong Kok's new security cameras welcomed by Yau Tsim Mong district councillors

Some Yau Tsim Mong District Councillors welcomed the installation of new security cameras within Mong Kok and believed they could effectively prevent and speed up the detection of crime.

The police announced that they are installing 15 sets of security cameras in Mong Kok next month for technical testing.

It's part of a wider plan to install more than 600 security cameras across Hong Kong by mid-year.

Yau Tsim Mong District Councilor Chan Siu-tong, who is also a member of the Fight Crime Committee, said that the Mong Kok District has a large flow of people and a high number of crimes, so he thinks it is appropriate to install cameras in the Mong Kok District first.

Chan also said there had been robberies in the area, such as at currency exchange stores, jewellery and watch stores, or second-hand watch stores.

The police were often able to solve the cases in a short time by relying on security camera footage lent by shopping malls and stores.

The district councillor pointed out that police representatives had stated at a meeting with the Fight Crime Committee that the security cameras would not have facial recognition functions for the time being, and it is believed that the police would only review the security footage after a criminal case has occurred.

The police also ensured that video recordings would be automatically deleted after 30 days, but law enforcement officers could duplicate the footage if it were helpful to an investigation.

The district councillor believes it is appropriate not to have a tracking function at this stage and that the next step can be decided after piloting the plan and understanding the public's response.