Forty civic-minded citizens who assisted the Force to fight crime were commended with the Good Citizen Award (GCA) at a presentation ceremony on March 2.

Officiating at the ceremony, Deputy Commissioner (Management) Chau Kwok-leung said that the overall crime figures in 2016 dropped to a record-low level since 1978 as a result of the concerted efforts of police officers and the community. He noted that many citizens were willing to join hands with the Force to fight crime and safeguard the city, making it a safe and stable place to live.

He commended the GCA recipients for their courage and alertness in assisting to arrest more than 30 persons for a variety of offences, including wounding, telephone deception, theft, robbery, indecent assault and possession of a dangerous drug.

Mr Chau thanked the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC) for continuously sponsoring this meaningful programme, which encourages citizens to report crime and stand up for justice. He also expressed gratitude to members of the Fight Crime Committee and 18 District Fight Crime Committees for their contribution in maintaining law and order.

Three of the GCA recipients, Ms Chan Po-ki, Ms Kong Suk-kuen and Mr Leung Wing-keung, received the Good Citizen of the Year Award (GCYA) 2016 as well for assisting officers to subdue a man, who snatched a police revolver in a hospital in September 2014. The man was later convicted of possession of a firearm without a licence, reckless use of a firearm and wounding, and was sentenced to 40 months' imprisonment.

The eldest awardee, Mr Lau Shek-fai, helped in intercepting and subduing a man who robbed a woman's handbag. The man was convicted of robbery and sentenced to 32 months' imprisonment.

The GCA Scheme, which is organised by the Police Public Relations Branch, is presented twice a year. Each awardee would receive a certificate of merit and a cheque of $3,000. The GCYA winner would also be presented with a plaque and a cheque of $4,000. More than 4 000 persons have been commended over the years.