Hong Kong police have utilized drone technology to detect four cases involving drug possession and theft since the launch of the pilot scheme for "Operational Deployment of Drones", according to Commissioner of Police Joe Chow Yat-ming.
The innovative program, launched in late May, features an automated drone docking system currently active in the Border District, with plans to expand high-altitude anti-crime patrols by deploying drones in the Kowloon West Region.
Chow said that the drones will utilize flashlights, high-altitude broadcasting, thermal imaging, and other technologies to enhance deterrence and assist in crime fighting and prevention.
It is understood that the first arrest was made on June 18, after drones observed a man behaving suspiciously in Yau Ma Tei.
Police discovered an e-cigarette device and space oil on him after receiving the drone's alert and arrested him on suspicion of possession of dangerous drugs.
On the following day, drones patrolling Portland Street detected a suspicious woman, who was arrested after officers discovered space oil and e-cigarette equipment in her possession.
Meanwhile, a man was also arrested in Tsim Sha Tsui on July 4 following drone surveillance. He was discovered to be involved in a theft case, and further investigation revealed his involvement in multiple drug trafficking offenses.Chow stated at a North District Council meeting that the police will conduct a comprehensive review of the pilot scheme's effectiveness after three months of implementation while refining operational details.
Authorities will also explore expanding the program to other areas, including outlying islands like Cheung Chau and elevated districts such as The Peak, he added.
Moreover, Chow reveals that the crime rate has declined by 2.8 percent compared to last year, with 35,888 cases recorded in the first five months.
He indicated that there were 17,000 scam cases involving over HK$2.8 billion, accumulating 47.6 percent of total crimes.
Separately, the police chief expected that a total of 2,000 sets of surveillance cameras would be installed across the city by the end of this year.
He added that the police force would look into speeding up and improving efficiency, with the aim of increasing the number and coverage of CCTVs.
The force has also communicated with the authorities, including the Housing Department and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, to incorporate their CCTV into the police system.
(Judy Cui, Katrina Tong and Nathan Leung)
