At the meeting, Mr Kerrigan reported that the overall crime figure for the first half of year 2003 rose to 2,613 compared with 1,916 in the same period last year. The increase of 697 cases represented a 36.4 per cent rise. In spite of the rise, there were some improvements shown in the analysis of the crime trends.

There was an increase of 47 (11.4 per cent) in violent crime cases but none of them involved the use of genuine firearms and there was a prominent drop in robberies from 97 cases last year to 61 cases this year - a decrease of 37.1 per cent. Crime involving youths and juveniles actually dropped by 23.6 per cent and 32.2 per cent respectively.

"We have actually obtained quite remarkable results in combating crime in the areas of vice, dangerous drugs, illegal gambling, pirated and obscene discs, youth crime and traffic offences," Mr Kerrigan added.

In addition, Mr Kerrigan recalled the tragic traffic accident on Tuen Mun Highway near Ting Kau Tsuen. On the day in question, more than 100 police officers were deployed to the scene for rescue and investigation. The officers' performance was highly praised for its professionalism by the guests.

After the meeting, all the guests were invited to a luncheon in the police station. After lunch, the visitors were taken on a tour of the police station during which officers from Tsuen Wan District and Division displayed and explained various items of equipment and the station's facilities.

Tsuen Wan District Commander Mr Austin Kerrigan briefs District Council and Fight Crime Committee members on the local crime situation