Arrests of young people for criminal offences fall 14pc in first half of year

Hong Kong Police reported that 1,326 young people between the ages of 10 and 20 were arrested for criminal offences in the first half of this year, representing a 14 percent decrease compared to the same period last year and falling below the 10-year average.

Notable declines were observed in several key crime categories. Arrests for money laundering saw the most significant drop, down by 45 percent, followed by a 38 percent reduction in fraud cases. Theft, assault, and robbery also showed decreases in the number of young persons arrested.

However, two areas saw concerning increases: arrests for serious drug offences rose from 67 to 101 year-on-year, and arrests for indecent assault increased by 23 percent.

Commenting on the latest findings, Commissioner of Police Joe Chow Yat-ming said preventing youth crime requires sustained collaboration across different sectors of society. 

He highlighted that ongoing efforts—including school outreach and media campaigns—have helped raise young people’s awareness of criminal risks and contributed to the overall decline in offences.

A key educational tool introduced in 2022, the Youth Crime Prevention Booklet, has been updated this year with new sections on the abuse of etomidate—a sedative increasingly misused by young people—and online child sexual grooming. 

Senior Superintendent Ng Chui-ting of the Police Public Relations Branch emphasized the force’s concern regarding etomidate misuse and hopes the updated materials will help parents and teachers identify warning signs and respond effectively.

The new edition also includes real-case reflections from social workers and young offenders, aiming to provide relatable cautionary stories. 

A total of 42,000 copies will be distributed to primary and secondary schools, educational bodies, and youth service organisations across Hong Kong starting mid-September.

(Marco Lam)