(Macao – 22 February 2006) The Secretary for Security, Mr Cheong Kuok Va today said public order in Macao had remained stable, as he released figures that showed violent had dropped 8.1% in 2005 as compared to the previous year. Murder cases also dropped by 37.5% to five cases: they have all been solved. Extortion cases also dropped by 24.7% over that in 2004. Also down was the number of drug trafficking cases, 23.9% less than that of 2004. However, robbery and rape had increased by 11.2% and 12.5% respectively, and more theft and fraud cases had been reported, Mr Cheong said. He said the police would step up patrols and on intelligence gathering, as well as introducing an anti pickpocket unit. Crime statistics in 2005 showed an increase in reported crimes, by 7.7% (+752 cases) over 2004 to a total of 10,538 cases, said Mr Cheong. A total of 2,376 cases of offences against the person were recorded in the year, with an increase of 1.8% (+42 cases), among which physical assault had increased slightly by 0.5%, while criminal intimidation cases decreased by 5.5% (-20 cases). However, unlawful detention cases had increased from 12 cases in 2004 to 24 in 2005, he said. In the category of offence against property, a total of 5,715 cases were reported in 2005, an increase of 14.6%. Increases in theft, robbery, usury and fraud were significant -- especially fraud, which had increased by 79.2%. A total of 935 cases in the category of offences against social life were logged in 2005, an increase of 14.6%, mainly due to the 47% increase in passing of counterfeits banknotes. 129 cases of Offences Against the Territory were logged in 2005, a drop of 15.5%. On the other hand, juvenile delinquency increased by 18.5% to 160 cases (+6 cases); and the number of underage people involved also increases by 79 people, to 304. Meanwhile Mr Cheong said more then five million mainlanders visited Macao under the Facilitated Individual Visit Scheme in 2005. Despite this figures, 344 of them were found to have been involved in criminal activities. Mr Cheong said 2,338 mainlanders were repatriated having overstayed. In the Same Period, police also repatriated 6,341 overstayers and 516 illegal Immigrants From the Mainland in 2005 (an increased of 19% and 28% respectively). In addition, 770 foreigners were repatriated in 2005, 78 more then the previous year.
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