Crime rate surges

The crime rate in Tin Shui Wai jumped 17 per cent within a year from 399 cases in 2002 to 467 last year, according to police. Assaults increased 14.8 per cent, from 242 in 2002 to 278 last year. Indecent assault cases increased 10.8 per cent, from 37 to 41 over the same period. Three murder and manslaughter cases were recorded last year compared to four in 2002.

Meanwhile, Yuen Long topped the list of child abuse cases in Hong Kong, with 70 cases last year, which accounted for 14.6 per cent of the total 481 cases in Hong Kong for that period, according to the Social Welfare Department. Tuen Mun registered the second-highest number, with 59 cases (12.3 per cent). and Wong Tai Sin and Sai Kung were third-highest, with 55 cases (11.4 per cent).

Yuen Long also had the second-highest number of spouse abuse cases across the territory last year. Of a total of 3,298 cases last year, 10.5 per cent (347) were reported in Yuen Long, followed by the eastern island districts with 232 cases (7 per cent). Tuen Mun was highest with 598 cases (18 per cent).