Crime declines by 7.1 percent during Q1

The latest crime statistics released yesterday show that the police authorities filed 3,333 criminal reports in total during this year’s first quarter. The figure represents a decrease of 255 cases (7.1 percent) compared to the same period last year.
The Secretary for Security Wong Sio Chak, said during a press conference that 626 crimes were committed against individuals, representing a 2.8 percent increase. These incidents primarily consisted of cases commonly known as ‘illegal imprisonment,’ a category which saw a significant increase by 89 cases, representing an increase of 32.8 percent. Most of these cases are gaming related.
Crimes against property decreased by 8.6 percent, corresponding to a total of 1,914 cases. Despite the decrease in both robbery and theft, extortion and usury have increased remarkably by 73.3 percent and 55.9 percent respectively.

Wong Sio Chak (center) presents the latest security report

Regarding the so-called “crimes against society,” a total of 186 cases were reported indicating a decrease of 27.9 percent, wherein the largest decrease was of arson cases by 80 percent.
The number of forged statements decreased by 28 from last year. There were also 334 cases (0.9 percent decrease) related to the employment of illegal immigrants, illegal hosts, and illegal assistance.
Moreover, cases that involved drug dealing and drug usage increased by 71.4 percent (to 48 cases) and 38.9 percent (to 25 cases) respectively.
With regard to violent crimes, there were 181 cases registered in total, and they were related to illegal imprisonment and drug dealing. No murders happened in the first quarter, and only one case was registered that resulted in a seriously wounded person.
In the first quarter, 1,615 people were arrested and sent to prosecution authorities, an increase of 221 people, and 15.9 percent, compared to last year. Regarding juvenile delinquency, 16 cases were reported, six more than last year; 28 of the involved individuals were still minors.
According to the data released, human smuggling and overstaying in the city significantly dropped to a total of 7,431 people. With respect to mainland people, 328 were involved in smuggling operations and 944 over stayed in Macau. From other nationalities, the numbers were 620 and 67 respectively.
The police force recorded 1,277 cases related to violation of transportation regulations, a drop from 1,724 cases last year.