In Hong Kong, there are an increasing number of ageing buildings in need of renovation. In a bid to stop crime syndicates or triads from monopolising renovation works, the Organized Crime and Triad Bureau (OCTB) has set up a Working Group to make recommendations on long-term publicity, crime prevention, intelligence-gathering and law enforcement.
The Force has also established an Inter-departmental Working Group with other government departments and public bodies. The Chief Superintendent of the OCTB has been elected as the Chairman of the Inter-departmental Working Group.
The Working Group comprises representatives from Buildings Department, Hong Kong Housing Society, Urban Renewal Authority, Independent Commission Against Corruption and Home Affairs Department. After deliberation and discussion, the Working Group decided to launch a scheme known as "RenoSafe Scheme" in early September, which is a scheme of crime prevention. As its name suggests, people can enjoy a relaxed home life without being taken advantage of or harassed by gangsters during the process of renovation works.
Officers of anti-triad squads will take the initiative to invite Owners' Corporations or residents' associations to join the scheme and distribute to them copies of an Information Kit.
Mr Sanford Poon, General Manager (Property Management) of Hong Kong Housing Society said: "We are happy to join the scheme. The Information Kit introduces crimes related to building renovation, the contact telephone numbers of participating government departments and public bodies as well as the hotlines of anti-triad squads. We will also provide professional advice and support to residents who have commissioned renovation works."
Posters and banners of the "Renosafe Scheme" will be displayed in conspicuous places of the participating buildings. Mr Tang Kwan-lam, General Manager, Works and Contracts of Urban Renewal Authority said: "The purpose of putting up posters is to remind residents that they should know more about building renovation and to raise their awareness of crime prevention. By hanging large banners on the external walls of the participating buildings, criminals would be deterred and residents would feel at ease. Then renovation works can be carried out smoothly."
The Inter-departmental Working Group held a press conference on September 4 to launch the "Renosafe Scheme" officially. Mr Kwok Ho-fai, Chief Superintendent of OCTB, said: "Members of the public can obtain professional advice by making a phone call. Their enquiries will be referred to the relevant departments for follow-up actions when necessary. Intelligence will also be exchanged among the departments and public bodies." Mr Kwok encouraged the public to make enquiries of the scheme or provide crime information on police hotline 2527-7887.
Having taken the crime preventive measures, the Inter-departmental Working Group will monitor closely the progress of the scheme. It will also review the effectiveness of the scheme and further improve the mechanism of co-operation with a view to providing quality services for the public.
In addition, the OCTB has co-ordinated the operations of all Regions, such as organising talks or seminars on crime prevention from time to time to proactively help residents and to handle crime information and reports promptly.
