Forty citizens who helped the Police fight crime were presented with the Good Citizen Award (GCA) at a presentation ceremony on September 5.

Speaking at the ceremony, Acting Deputy Commissioner (Management) Kwok Yam-shu said the GCA winners came from different walks of life and backgrounds but all of them performed acts of bravery, showed mutual support and were willing to step forward in a critical situation to fight crime. The presentation of GCA was a tribute to these heroes. He hoped more citizens would be inspired by these role models and help the Police prevent and fight crime. He believed, through the concerted efforts of a professional Police Force and members of the public, Hong Kong would continue to be one of the safest cities for all to live and work.

Also officiating at the ceremony, Dr Cheng Kam-chung, a member of the Fight Crime Committee (FCC), said the low crime rate in Hong Kong was achieved by long-term mutual trust and co-operation between the Police and the community. He hoped members of the public would continue to help the Police fight crime and maintain law and order in society.

General Committee Member of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC) Ms Chan Sui-kuen praised GCA recipients as role models for citizens. She hoped more citizens would join the league to promote such acts of bravery and justice.

With the help of the awardees, the Police arrested more than 30 people for a variety of offences, including trafficking in dangerous drugs, theft, robbery, arson with intent, indecent assault and outraging public decency.

The youngest awardee was 19-year-old Mr Liu Kin-leung who helped intercept and subdue a man for taking upskirt photo. The man was subsequently convicted of outraging public decency and sentenced to three weeks' imprisonment.

The eldest awardee was Mr Wu Wing-hong, aged 67. He helped identify a male culprit who stole a passenger's property on a flight to Hong Kong. The man was eventually convicted of theft and given a 10-month jail sentence.

The GCA Scheme is organised by the Police Public Relations Branch, sponsored by the HKGCC and supported by the FCC. The awards are presented twice a year. Each awardee receives a certificate of merit and a cheque for $3,000. More than 4 000 people have been commended since the inception of the scheme in 1973.