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Hong Kong youth
Opinion
SCMP Editorial
SCMP Editorial

Editorial | Keeping youth out of crime is a battle all in Hong Kong must fight

Youth arrests are down for scams and money laundering but up for drugs and indecent assault. More must be done

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(From left) Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups deputy executive director Chan Man-ho, Hong Kong Monetary Authority executive director Chan King-wang, Commercial Crime Bureau senior superintendent Law Kwok-hoi and Hong Kong Polytechnic University professor Xu Xin promote anti-fraud efforts on September 9. Photo: Elson Li
SCMP Editorial
Hong Kong’s young are in need of new opportunities. But many take a chance on crime, drawn by misconceptions about easy money. Criminal syndicates have, in recent years, been using social media to lure young people into offences such as scams and money laundering. So the latest figures, showing a drop in those aged 10 to 20 arrested for criminal offences, are welcome. They suggest collaborative efforts between the police and other stakeholders, along with campaigns to increase awareness of the risks, are paying off.

The number of arrests for the age group in the first six months of this year fell by 14 per cent year on year to 1,326. The level is below the average for the past 10 years. There was a sharp decrease in the number taking part in scams, from 288 to 178. Youngsters participating in money laundering offences, such as by lending their bank accounts to criminals, plunged by 45.2 per cent.

Arrests in these areas had surged alarmingly in 2023. Work done in schools and through social media to make young people more aware of the traps and their serious consequences has proved effective. But there is no room for complacency.
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There was a substantial rise in arrests for crimes involving dangerous drugs, largely attributable to the growing popularity of etomidate. Efforts to educate the young about the drug’s harmful effects and to crack down on its use must continue.

Arrests for indecent assault also increased. Sex education underlining the importance of love, respect and staying safe should be stepped up. Efforts to curb the growing menace of online grooming are also needed. Tightening laws might be required.

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Increases in crime figures sometimes reflect a greater willingness to report offences or a higher detection rate. They should not always be viewed negatively. But the latest figures show an ongoing need to prevent young people from being drawn into crime.

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