The number of prostitutes arrested in Sham Shui Po in the first 10 months of the year was 603 (20.9 per cent foreigners and 71.5 per cent Mainlanders), compared with 602 for all of last year (32 per cent foreigners and 52.5 per cent Mainlanders).

"Suitable manpower and resources are allocated to deal with the situation, with stepped-up patrols by both uniformed and plainclothes officers. Police will also continue joint operations with the Immigration Department to arrest those breaching conditions of stay," Mr Tse said.

Intelligence showed prostitutes were running the business on their own and there was no indication of syndicated or triad control. Mr Tse said Police were being very cautious in intercepting or questioning women for suspected soliciting.

Meanwhile, Acting Kowloon West Regional Commander Ian Seabourne met a group of dignitaries on November 2, saying a multi-agency approach would be adopted to deal with the vice situation.

The Buildings, Fire Services, Home Affairs and Immigration Departments would join Police in exercising their respective authority on identified vice-related premises and activities. As each District experienced different vice-related activities, Mr Seabourne said each District Commander in the Region would employ specific tactics.

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