Working Group steps up momentum
Crime Wing Working Group on Anti-illegal Bookmaking briefed the media on May 31 on how it will combat illegal bookmaking activities during the FIFA World Cup finals with a four-pronged approach comprising prevention, education, intelligence and enforcement.
Briefing over 50 media representatives were Superintendent (SP) Man Tat-shing and Chief Inspector (CIP) Ng Wai-hon of Organised Crime and Triad Bureau, and Senior Inspector (SIP) Chan Kai-fat of Crime Prevention Bureau. SP Man elaborated on the four-pronged approach while CIP Ng and SIP Chan spoke of the latest trend of illegal bookmaking and Police campaigns on prevention and education.
In a bid to steer youths away from illegal gambling, the Working Group has created a sub-webpage on the Police public website to publicise related messages. The webpage, launched early this month, disseminates information on the objectives of setting up the Working Group, the Police Formations participating in the Group, publicity episodes of the television programme "Police Magazine", relevant laws and publicity posters. In an effort to reach more teenagers, the webpage has been linked up with schools' websites through School Liaison Officers. It is also hoped that the messages would be brought to the attention of students’ families.
Speaking to media representatives, SP Man stressed that the Police would identify illegal gambling websites through various avenues and means, including stepping up surfing on the Internet and investigations. As regard overseas legal gambling websites, the Police will liaise with banks and credit card-issuing companies for investigations of dubious transactions.
The Working Group has learned that some cinemas may screen live coverage of World Cup matches. In a bid to prevent illegal bookmaking activities there, it will maintain a close liaison with these cinemas.
SP Man pointed out that the Working Group had used various channels to drive home anti-illegal bookmaking messages to the public, including the community liaison networks of Police Regions and Districts, as well as the Police Public Relations Branch.
SP Man also reminded Force members to maintain a work-life balance while enjoying watching World Cup matches.
