Mass Transit Railway District officers have been working hard in efforts to contain the problem which tends to worsen in summer as women wear shorter dresses and lighter clothes.

Despite their strong efforts, the District has appealed for more victims to come forward to help them crack down even further on culprits.

MTR District Commander Noel Howcroft said many victims did not make reports to Police or MTR staff because they might have been rushing off to work when an incident took place, or even been too embarrassed by it to tell anyone.

Stealth sleuths: Plainclothes MTR District officers show just how easy it is to lose your wallet

He said that in many cases when assaults were detected by officers, the victims were unwilling to pursue the case.

"There is quite a substantial non-reporting of offences. Normally the assaults are not violent and don't pose a danger, although they can be embarrassing or frightening to victims.

"But still, they should come forward and make a report for if these culprits get away with it, then their assaults will continue and could worsen," Mr Howcroft said.

"There was one recent case of a 12-year-old schoolgirl who was left absolutely terrified by an incident.

"Coming forward helps prevent such attacks by letting culprits know they will not get away with it. Second offences normally bring about terms of imprisonment."

Although statistics on assault cases constantly fluctuated, general figures showed a decline in cases last year compared with 1997.

However Mr Howcroft was quick to point out that the continuing low rates at the start of this year started picking up again in May and June with the arrival of hotter weather.

"Last year we averaged seven cases a month but in May this year the figure went up to 15," he said.

"Women should definitely create a fuss when they are assaulted. Let those around you know what happened, follow the culprit and immediately contact a police officer or an MTR staff member."

Women could also help prevent attacks by being defensive when riding the train. As most attacks were from behind, they could stand with their back against the train wall as a preventative move, and wear more conservative clothing, Mr Howcroft said.

MTR District Task Force officer-in-charge, Senior Inspector Lee Shek-lun, said there were two kinds of assault - premeditated attacks by those loitering on the railway looking for a target, and spontaneous assaults.

"About six months ago there were also a lot of peeping toms about using mirrors and hidden video cameras to look or film up women's skirts, but tough action has seen that greatly reduced.

"We deploy plainclothes officers in the MTR system and enhance the presence of uniformed officers which also acts as a deterrent."

Mr Lee also urged the public to take more care of their bags and wallets to ward off pickpockets.

Although good policing has controlled pickpocket rates recently, syndicates were constantly coming up with new methods to steal from unsuspecting commuters.

Handbags and backpacks were particularly prone to being slashed open with razor blades or simply unzipped to remove wallets, purses, mobile phones and passports without the victim even noticing as they stand in a queue or crowded train compartment, or even ride an escalator.

"Another group of gangs are the tricksters who grab your attention somehow, such as by spraying hair mousse over your jacket or dirtying your shirt, and run off with your briefcase while you're busy cleaning yourself up," Mr Lee said.

He said the public should be warned to hold their bags and carry their wallets in front of them, keeping them in sight.



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