HK crime drops 4.9pc in first nine months of the year

Hong Kong's crime figures continued their downward trend in the first nine months of the year, with a total of 66,585 reported cases marking a 4.9 percent drop from the same period last year, according to Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung. 

Violent crimes also fell sharply, recording 6,559 incidents—a 16.4 percent decrease—while the detection rate held steady at 26.3 percent.

Speaking to reporters after a meeting of the Fight Crime Committee, Tang highlighted that most crime categories saw reductions over the first three quarters, with burglary, robbery, assault, and grievous harm cases reaching historic lows.

Deception cases, however, remained stable at 32,142 incidents, accounting for nearly half of all crimes and involving losses of about HK$5.64 billion, down 12 percent year-on-year. 

Online scams dominated, making up more than 60 percent of fraud reports with 21,256 cases—a 6.9 percent rise driven largely by increases in bogus online shopping and job offers.

However, a major increase was logged in serious drug offenses, with 935 cases representing a 9.6 percent rise year-on-year. 

Tang highlighted that offenses involving the etomidate surged dramatically, with 749 incidents and 919 arrests—ninefold and sevenfold increases, respectively, compared to last year.

Tang also outlined intensified efforts against illegal immigration and employment. 

Last month, a cross-departmental task force was formed to combat illegal workers, and the Immigration Department launched a dedicated hotline for tips.

Since its inception, the line has received over 350 reports, while the task force has led to the arrest of 130 illegal workers and 46 employers or accomplices.

Enforcement actions this year have included raids on food delivery platforms, resulting in 30 illegal workers and 24 employers or helpers detained. 

The Immigration Department has also targeted mainland social media ads promoting unauthorized services like makeup, renovations, and photography in Hong Kong, using online patrols and undercover operations to arrest 24 illegal workers and three employers or accomplices.