Announcing this at a press conference on February 6, Deputy Commissioner Operations Lau Yuk-kuen urged cab drivers and owners to assist Police by making use of the hotline 3111-3366, which is now in effect.

"With their long working hours, extensive ground coverage and frequent interface with a cross-section of the community, taxi drivers and operators are a potentially valuable source of information and intelligence in the fight against crime," Mr Lau said.

He gave an assurance that any report involving crime-related information and intelligence given to the Police would be kept in strict confidence.

The hotline is manned round-the-clock by experienced Police personnel who would handle all calls according to established Police procedures and ensure that prompt and appropriate actions are taken.

Mr Lau added: "A review of the hotline service will be conducted in July this year with a view of expanding the scheme to cover other sectors of the public transport industry."