More Cameras to Fight Crime in HK

Tang says "all walks of life" did not object to more CCTVs

In another sign that Hong Kong is becoming more aligned with the mainland, Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping Keung wants to further beef up security in the city, which means adding between 2,000 to 2,500 surveillance cameras in public places from next year.

"I think this is a natural trend. In fact a lot of other jurisdictions, they are using it already," he said, citing the UK has around 7.3 million surveillance cameras, and Singapore plans to increase the number by 200,000 by 2030.

The installment of more CCTV cameras is in a bid to combat crime. Tang explained in a pilot scheme, 15 cameras were set up in Mong Kok to detect 13 kinds of crimes, but did not specify which ones they were. 

Some 2,000-2,500 cameras installed from 2025

Tang said the cameras will have facial recognition technology which will help in robbery cases.

"Eventually, when we are able to find the whereabouts of the culprit through a number of CCTV [cameras], it will be a few hours later -- we know with AI technology, we can instantly identify the culprit," the security minister said.

Tang said adding more surveillance cameras in Hong Kong would not compromise personal privacy, adding residents and businesses "from all walks of life" did not object to them.

"All our installation of the CCTVs, it's in full compliance with our privacy law," he said.

People are too busy trying to keep their heads above water to think about surveillance cameras, even though it is yet another thing to be aware of.

As for fighting crime, the proof will be in the numbers... 

2,000 CCTV Cameras Watching Hong Kong

Cheuk says cameras to be placed in high-flow areas of people

Hong Kong is getting the surveillance treatment, with 2,000 CCTV cameras that will be installed around the city this year.

Deputy Chief Secretary Warner Cheuk Wing-hing made the announcement, explaining the CCTV cameras will help deter crimes even though he says Hong Kong is a safe city.

"The surveillance cameras will be installed in places with a high flow of people and places evaluated as high risk by officers. But the cameras may not be put there permanently; if needed, they may be moved to other places too," he said.

"This can also improve governance at the district level. If someone wants to commit a crime, can they dodge so many surveillance cameras?"

Cheuk sayd another 600 cameras will be installed by mid-2024.

He added that while he understands some people may have privacy concerns, Cheuk's reasoning is that there are other cities with more CCTV cameras than Hong Kong.

So apparently hiring more police officers isn't enough to make the city safer so they need several hundred "electronic eyes" to watch for anything suspicious going on... 

HK Police to Patrol Buses

Starting next week officers will board buses to prevent crime

The Hong Kong Police are flexing their muscles with a new trial to have officers on buses to catch any nefarious activities on public transport ahead of the District Council elections next month.

Officers will get on buses in the Kowloon West district free of charge, stand in the wheelchair area and monitor what's going on.

"They will board buses at different stops to patrol them, paying attention to passengers and identifying any suspicious objects," said a source familiar with the police operation.

Not many crimes are committed on buses

"If necessary, officers may ask the bus driver to pull over and request the person in question to leave the vehicle for further investigation," he added.

The officers will carry standard equipment such as firearms, a retractable baton and a body camera, as well as a mobile phone that can scan identity cards. Police officers will be deployed from divisions such as Tsim Sha Tsui, Yau Ma Tei, Mong Kok, Sham Shui Po, Cheung Sha Wan, Hung Hom and Kowloon City.

"The objective of extending police presence to public buses is to deter criminal activity and respond promptly to any incidents that may occur," the source said.

However the person did admit not many criminal cases happen on buses, but that there had been cases of bus drivers facing abuse from passengers, though it wasn't too serious. They also won't board crowded buses, or during rush hour.

In a video posted on the Facebook page of the Mong Kok police district, an officer says: "In addition to street patrols, police will soon conduct bus patrols. The objective is to prevent crimes, maintain public order, and ensure public safety."

It is hoped police presence will deter crime

The video goes on to say: "If you see police officers on the bus, please don't be surprised."

Thanks for the warning.

But why bother patrolling buses when the crime rate is low on them? Seems a bit overboard, or a make-work project.

How about the officers do an exchange and come to Vancouver to patrol the buses here? There are many passengers who just walk on and don't even pay the bus fare. There are many incidents of people hurling abuses at others, or even assault passengers and bus drivers!

Seem to make more sense for the Hong Kong Police to conduct their trial here and make a real difference in public transit safety...