Besides the endeavours by officers of Railway District (RAILDIST) and staff of the Mass Transit Railway Corporation (MTR Corporation), maintaining the MTR as one of the safest railway networks in the world also depends on the assistance of passengers.
Therefore, RAILDIST and MTR Corporation jointly hosted the Crime Prevention Campaign 2013 and the 4th Good Passenger Award Presentation Ceremony in Hung Hom Station on September 26 to commend the awardees for their courageous acts. The messages the campaign seeks to drive home to MTR passengers are "Staying Alert" and "Reporting Crime", encouraging them to report the crimes committed in MTR stations or inside train compartments.
Teenage singer Tat Dik attended the event as a guest performer and formed the "Smart Troop" with ten "Senior Smart Cops" and eight "Little Smart Cops" from Yaumati Kaifong Association School to stage a play on crime prevention.
RAILDIST Commander, Senior Superintendent (SSP) Henry Tam, and MTR Operations Director, Dr Jacob Kam, presented certificates and pins to three Good Passengers for their bravery and determination.
Speaking at the event, SSP Tam said: "Community engagement is essential for frontline officers in combatting crimes. The 5.1 million passengers a day and the nearly 1,400 MTR shops are our best partners, who keep their eyes open for us. Their high alertness and initiatives are crucial for preventing and combatting crimes. Culprits, being watched by the over 5 million smart passengers, would definitely be deterred or brought to justice.
"Police dogs will be deployed in station concourses from time to time. Their prompt response to crimes or suspicious objects will protect passengers and enhance security," he added.
"MTR is recognised as one of the safest urban passenger railways in the world and we have successfully kept crime rates at a low level through close co-operation with the police and help from our passengers. As long as everyone remains alert and looks out for each other, we can keep our railway safe," said Dr Kam.
