And there was a dramatic 40 per cent drop in 2003 when the figure decreased to 133 trailers from 220 in 2002.

Whilst the success is attributable to the efforts made by frontline officers, including those from Quick Reaction Force, Police Tactical Unit and Patrol Sub-unit, NTN HQ envisages that the close liaison it has maintained with the transportation trade might have made a contribution.

To strengthen the liaison and show appreciation of the trade's co-operation, NTN HQ recently held a seminar on trailer car park security for representatives of the trade, and presented them with souvenirs.

Senior Superintendent (Crime) Cheung Kwai-kee presented the souvenirs at the seminar, which was held at NTN HQ. Thanking the trade representatives for helping to bring down the rate of trailer theft, Mr Cheung appealed to them to pass on information to the Force and step up trailer car park security so as to further reduce the crime.

Meanwhile, Chief Inspector Wan Tat-wai of NTN Regional Anti-vehicle Crime Team vowed to continue liaising with container drivers travelling between Hong Kong and the Mainland, and carrying out checks at land border crossing points and enforcement actions at black spots. At the same time, NTN would also step up exchanging intelligence and information about trailer theft syndicates with law enforcement authorities on the Mainland, he said.

NTN's seminar has drawn a favourable response