Ambrose S K Lee said: "In January this year we recorded a slight decrease in the overall crime rate, a decrease of half a percent," though there was a slight increase in violent crimes like assault, rape and indecent assault.

He noted that Hong Kong's overall security situation is very stable and Hong Kong remains one of the most secure cities in the world after the Fight Crime Committee reviewed the security situation of 2005 and the first month of 2006.

On juvenile crimes, he said the figure continued to drop, a good sign indicating that the education and publicity programs make a positive result.

As far as drug offenses are concerned, the Customs and Excise Department as well as the Police have enhanced their efforts in law enforcement resulting in a record seizure of certain drugs like Ketamine.

At the same time, the number of drug abusers recorded is also dropping.