Hong Kong youth crime falls by 14%, but drug and assault cases rise

The number of crimes committed by juveniles in Hong Kong has dropped by 14 per cent in the first half of this year compared with the same period last year, with the largest decreases seen in fraud and money laundering.

But authorities reported that arrests of teenagers for dangerous drug offences, indecent assault and criminal damage had increased this year.

Commissioner of Police Joe Chow Yat-ming said on Monday that while the overall reduction in youth arrests reflected the impact of the force’s collaboration with other sectors, efforts must continue to prevent young people from breaking the law.

“Youth work cannot be done by one party alone, not just police or the Education Bureau or teachers or social workers,” Chow said. “Everyone has a responsibility and obligation here.”

Police revealed in a booklet for parents and teachers that 1,326 people aged between 10 and 20 were arrested in the first half of this year, marking a 14 per cent decrease from the 1,541 cases recorded in the same period last year.

This year’s figure was also lower than the average for the same period over the past 10 years, which was the same as last year’s tally.