Police nabbed nearly 1,600 young people as of June

In the first half of the year, Hong Kong police have apprehended nearly 1,600 young people, aged between 10 and 20, marking a 20 percent year-on-year increase. The majority of those arrested were due to serious assault and wounding, with a surge of nearly 50 percent compared to the previous year. Police Commissioner Joe Chow attributed this rise to impulsiveness, rather than planned attacks, and noted that many juveniles engaged in these crimes were exploited and paid for their actions, often unaware of the wrongdoing.

Criminal damage arrests, including those linked to debt collection activities, also climbed by nearly 60 percent, totaling 140. Chow emphasized that the issue is not confined to Hong Kong but is a global concern, as sex predators often target juveniles through online gaming platforms and social media. They establish trust by displaying concern or care before asking juveniles to meet in person or share explicit images, potentially leading to blackmail.

To combat these issues, the police have published a guide for parents and teachers, which will be distributed to over 1,000 schools in Hong Kong. Chow stressed the importance of communication with young people instead of constant surveillance of their social media accounts. Following a recent case involving a 19-year-old accused of mobile drug delivery through exploitation of minors, Chow indicated that the force would seek stricter penalties for those who exploit juveniles in drug trafficking.