The Secretary for Security, Mr Wong Sio Chak, announces crime figures of the first three quarters of 2016 at a press conference.
The number of suspected crime cases reported in Macao during the first nine months of 2016 saw a year-on-year rise of 4.6 percent, to 10,826. The police will remain vigilant for signs of any upward trend in the number or types of crime, in order to maintain Macao’s safe environment. Disclosing on Thursday (24 November) the crime case figures for the first nine months of 2016, the Secretary for Security, Mr Wong Sio Chak, said the aggregate increase was believed to be related to strengthened enforcement action against those temporary stay permit holders that failed to report to the authorities on a regular basis as required. In all the suspected criminal cases reported during the nine months to September 30, a total of 5,542 people were transferred to the Public Prosecutions Office for further investigation, an increase of 1,343 people, or 32 percent, on the prior-year period. Suspected cases of violent crime went up by 8.4 percent to 608 cases: nonetheless, some forms of violent crime, such as robbery, recorded a double-digit decrease. The authorities would continue efforts to maintain public order; to use effective crime-fighting measures; and to work closely with the public to safeguard the stability of Macao and to update crime-fighting strategies when deemed necessary, stated the Secretary. The police dealt with a total of 940 suspected cases of pickpocketing, an increase of 12.2 percent from 838 cases from the prior-year period. The rise was mainly due to enhanced enforcement efforts in tourist areas and places with high foot traffic. In addition, there was a total of 1,276 suspected cases of common assault reported in the period. Of these, 275 suspected cases involved incidents among family members, a 36.8 percent rise in such incidents from the prior-year period. Mr Wong said that, following the implementation of the Domestic Violence Law, the police had the full capability to work with the public in order to prevent – and if necessary investigate – domestic violence. Police preparation included training for front-line officers, and the formulation of relevant guidelines and mechanisms. Regarding suspected cases of gaming-related crime, in the first nine months of 2016 the police initiated investigation of 349 cases allegedly involving illegal detention of persons by third parties. This represented a 13.3-percent increase from the 308 cases from the corresponding period last year. Suspected cases of usury, or unlawful lending of money, went up 45 percent, to 348 cases during the first three quarters of 2016. Mr Wong said the police had given close attention to three incidents that occurred during late July and in August concerning the illegal detention of persons by third parties, and that ended in each case with the death of those being illegally detained. The cases were solved quickly and without causing a significant negative impact for society. Mr Wong added that nonetheless the police would remain vigilant and strengthen their law enforcement efforts, in order to foster a healthy development of the city’s gaming industry.