The number of pick-pocketing cases have plunged 42.1% in the first three months of this year compared with the same period last year, reflecting that Macao is a safe city by international standards. Releasing crime statistics for the first quarter of 2006 at a press conference today, Secretary for Security Mr Cheong Kuok Va said the significant drop was the direct result of a series of anti crime operations, which included the neutralisation of several such gangs. And despite a 7% increase in overall crimes, from 2,461 to 2,634 cases; violent crimes dropped 2% -- with rape and blackmail dropping by 75% and 50% respectively. No kidnapping was reported in this period and four homicide cases were reported and solved by the police. Mr Cheong said the overall increase was due mainly to forgery (+71.2%) and transferring counterfeit banknotes (+89.9%), Theft cases increased by 1.8%, with theft from vehicle, missing stolen motorcycles and burglaries by 19.5%, 15.3% and 15.5% respectively. Robbery and loansharking went up by 11.8% and 30.4%. The authorities repatriated 2,938 illegal immigrants and overstayers in the same period. Mr Cheong reiterated that the police would continue to its stepped up measures in preventing and combating crimes.
