The burglaries that have happened in the rural areas in Tseung Kwan O has prompted Tseung Kwan O Division (TKODIV) and the Police Community Relations Office of Kwun Tong District to initiate "Operation HILLCASTLE", a new series of anti-burglary campaigns embracing sustainability and resident participation. The campaign engages rural residents proactively and has covered almost 5 000 households so far.
According to a crime awareness survey on burglary in rural areas, conducted by a student member of the Police Mentorship Programme, who is also an Auxillary Force officer in July and August, 90 percent of the 100 households surveyed have not installed any security device.
To raise awareness of burglary prevention and forge partnership with rural residents, TKODIV held three seminars for indigenous villagers, expatriate residents, tenants, landlords, Owners' Corporations and management companies of high-risk residential estates in September and October this year. The audiences were updated on the crime trend, the Force's Operational Priorities and police strategies.
In the seminars, officers from the Kowloon East Regional Crime Prevention Office offered advice on crime prevention while those from the Tseung Kwan O Task Force Sub-unit demonstrated making environmentally friendly DIY home security devices with PVC.
After the seminars and home visits, representatives of resident groups volunteered to help police as HILLCASTLE Ambassadors. On November 28, Acting Kwun Tong District Commander Alice Lee presented appointment letters to 37 Ambassadors, witnessed by the Sai Kung District Officer and the Chairman and members of the Sai Kung District Fight Crime Committee. In the coming year, the Ambassadors will help police spread fight crime messages and boost home security awareness.
