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Much to their pleasant surprise, Yau Ma Tei police responding to an apartment
robbery-in-progress last month were aided in their apprehension of the thief by a
quick-thinking and capable six-year-old boy who used a computer to alert his father who
was at the office, who in turn notified police . . .
YOUNG Lau Tsun-yin became a media star of sorts after he managed to employ the speed-dialing function of his father's computer that telephonically linked their residence to his dad's office. |  Little Tsun-yin and his dad re-enact the call that saved the day |
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The family's ordeal began when a 17-year-old robber broke into the Lau's flat and tied up Tsun-yin's mother and a maid, then proceeded to ransack the premises in his search for cash and other valuables. Terrified, Mrs Lau urged Tsun-yin to contact his father at work through their home computer system. The little boy sneaked into his parents' bedroom, fast-dialled his father and explained what was going on. Then, called by Mr Lau, police rushed the Man Wai Street flat and caught the robber red-handed. No one was injured in the incident. Tsun-yin's parents attribute their son's calm performance in the face of adversity to their guidance and the many hours spent watching crime reports on current affairs television programmes, including the Force-produced Police Magazine show. "While watching those programmes we often explain to Tsun-yin the nature of the crimes being presented and how he should react if he happened to be involved in one of them," said his mother. Mr Lau Yun-wai, Tsun-yin's father, who thanked police officers for their swift action to arrest the robber and save his family from injuries, is more than a mentor for his son in crime prevention. He is the chairman of the owners' corporation of his building and has been working hard to ensure the safety of the residents. An old building accommodating both residential and commercial uses, Man Yuen Mansion is characterised by large numbers of people coming in and out posing a security problem. Mr Lau and owners' corporation members have been working closely with the Police Community Relations Office of Yau Tsim District on ways to improve the situation. "Apartment dwellers in Hong Kong need to band together to fight against crimes with the help of the police," said Mr Lau. "That's the best way to protect ourselves and our families. Don't think it can't happen to you, because crimes can happen anywhere, anytime, to anyone." For his part, little Tsun-yin who was showered with praise for his bravery wants to join the Boy Scouts and eventually the Junior Police Call. "I'll also continue to learn about using computers," he smiled. | |
 Chief Executive Tung Chee Hwa sharing a light moment with District Commander Wanchai, Andy Tsang, during the tea reception given by CE at former Government House to thank representatives of all those officers involved in ensuring the safety of Presidents Jiang Zemin and Bill Clinton during their recent visits to Hong Kong |
The following letter from Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Anson Chan, was sent to
Commissioner of Police Hui . . .
DEAR EDDIE, Just a brief note to thank you and your colleagues for planning and carrying out the security arrangements for the visits by President Jiang and President Clinton. Few police forces in the world ever have to face the challenges of a visit by their own Head of State, the arrival of the American President and the opening of a mega infrastructural project all on the same day. Your staff managed with their usual efficiency and professionalism. As head of Asia's finest disciplined service, you can be proud of another fine achievement. |
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Credit must also go to those who took part in the big Move on 6 July. They have helped greatly in ensuring the smooth implementation of the largest peacetime logistical operation in Hong Kong's history. I was also delighted to note from Douglas Lau's report of 8 July that Hong Kong's crime rate remains at a low level in the past year. Clearly, the many VIP visits and world class events have not detracted from the energy and standards of the police in your day-to-day work in crime prevention and detection. Many congratulation to you all! Keep up the good work! With best regards,
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