Cases of snatching, which were a subject of public concern last year, recorded a drop of 3.5 per cent, he added.

Reviewing the 2004 crime situation in Hong Kong, the Commissioner summed up: "In 2004, the overall law and order situation showed continuous improvement, despite a rise in such crimes as serious narcotics offences, criminal intimidation and rape."

The total number of crime cases dropped eight per cent from 88,377 in 2003 to 81,315 in 2004. At the same time, violent crime cases dropped 4.5 per cent from 14,542 to 13,890.

Compared with the preceding 12 months, last year saw a drop in robbery (30.4 per cent), homicide (13.5 per cent) and burglary (22.9 per cent). But serious narcotics offences, criminal intimidation and rape cases jumped 1.2 per cent, 22.7 per cent and 31.4 per cent respectively.

Mr Lee pointed out that one of the seven operational targets set last year was maintaining the momentum of the fight against violent crime. "Police are highly concerned about cases involving firearms. Through intelligence-based strategies, we will bring the culprits to justice before they could commit any crimes with firearms," he noted.

He added that the Force would enhance intelligence exchange and co-operation with Mainland, Macau and overseas enforcement agencies to halt the influx of firearms.

On the fight against triad activities, Mr Lee said the Force had intensified intelligence network, continued with undercover operations, taken proactive actions against triads and their activities, and established an investigation network within Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau to tackle triad-related cross-boundary criminal activities.

To crack down on "quick cash crimes", the Force had deployed more resources to patrol black spots, fully utilised intelligence in taking proactive actions, and enhanced public awareness of theft and other crimes.

On anti-terrorism, Mr Lee said that whilst maintaining law and order for major events, especially those of an international nature, the Force would constantly remain alert to terrorism.

"Police will exchange intelligence with Mainland and overseas enforcement agencies, analyse intelligence and provide timely details of risk assessment. In addition, Police would conduct regular exercises to test contingency plans and counter terrorism capability," he added.

The Commissioner pointed out that the Force's top priority in fighting drugs trafficking was halting the influx of drugs, tackling the sources and distribution network, and cutting off syndicates' financial support.

The Force also conducted intelligence-led operations against drugs pushers and fully utilised the law to recover proceeds of drugs. Through inter-departmental efforts, the Force helped prevent, and publicise the pernicious effects of, drugs abuse.

As regards crimes committed by illegal immigrants and Mainland visitors, Mr Lee said the Force had set up an inter-departmental unit with Immigration Department, Correctional Services Department, Customs and Excise Department, Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, Lands Department and Labour Department to formulate a three-pronged strategy. "Police will further intensify raids and other enforcement actions, with emphasis on tackling illegal employment and prostitution," he added.

On road safety, Mr Lee said the Force implemented territory-wide the "Selective Traffic Enforcement Policy" in commensuration with the trend and causes of traffic accidents, and stepped up education and publicity campaigns with other government departments and non-government organisations to raise awareness of road safety.

Last year, traffic accidents increased by 3.8 per cent to 14,987, with 19,345 persons injured or killed - an increase of 5.7 per cent - mainly due to a rise in minor accidents. However, there was a drop in accidents resulting in deaths and serious injuries, he added.

Looking ahead, Mr Lee expected that the territory's economic recovery would bring about renewed vibrancy in the city.

The year to come would see the Force facing many new challenges, including major events of different natures, such as the Rugby Sevens in March, the Lions Club International Conference in June, the opening of the Disneyland in September and the World Trade Organisation Ministerial Conference in December. These, coupled with the increase of Mainland visitors and corporate-sponsored exhibitions and sports events, would certainly require tremendous efforts in deploying resources for maintaining law and order, security co-ordination and crime prevention, he added.

Finally, the Commissioner pledged that there would not be any reduction in the number of officers deployed to frontline duties and that the Force was committed to maintaining Hong Kong a safe city with a low crime rate.

Also present at the news conference were the Deputy Commissioner (Management) Fung Siu-yuen and Deputy Commissioner (Operations) Tang King-shing.

Commissioner pledges to maintain Hong Kong a safe city with a low crime rate