Secretary for Security Regina Ip Lau Suk-yee said Wednesday at a Legislative Council meeting that the police all along take a serious view regarding crimes involving tourists.

She said to ensure the safety of visitors, uniformed branch officers as well as plain clothed officers are deployed to patrol tourism spots and take effective actions.

On the other hand, the police cooperate closely with the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the Consumer Council and the tourism industry to spread crime prevention messages among tourists.

Hotels will obtain publicity pamphlets from the police for their customers' reference. The police have also reminded tourists of taking care of their properties.

These measures can effectively help ensure the safety of tourists during their stay in Hong Kong, she added.

In 2002, the total number of persons visiting Hong Kong reached 16.6 million, and 897 persons, or about five of every 100,000 tourists, reported to the police that they were victims of crimes.

The official said that taking into account the total number of tourists visiting Hong Kong, crimes against tourists is considered to be at a relatively low level. There is no evidence to show that tourists visiting Hong Kong have become a major target of criminals.

(Xinhua News Agency February 27, 2003)