Hong Kong is widely celebrated as one of the safest cities in the world. And helping keep it that way are the citizens who actively help the Police to prevent crime. 

At the Good Citizen Award (GCA) Presentation Ceremony on September 5, 40 of these citizens were commended. The awards were presented by Kwok Yam-shu, the Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police (Management); HKGCC General Committee Member Agnes Chan; and Cheng Kam-chung, Member of the Fight Crime Committee.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Kwok noted that crime figures in the first half of 2018 decreased by 6.2% year-on-year to 26,550 cases, marking a record low since 1977. He attributed the low crime rates in Hong Kong in recent years to the concerted efforts of the police and citizens. He also commended the GCA recipients for taking the initiative, adding that they demonstrated the spirit of bravery and mutual support.

Cheng said that the low crime rate in Hong Kong had been achieved through long-term mutual trust and co-operation between the Police and the community. He hoped members of the public would continue to help the authorities to maintain law and order in the community. 

Chan praised the GCA recipients as role models for Hong Kong's citizens. She said that she hoped more people would be inspired by such acts of bravery and justice.

With the help of the awardees, more than 30 people were arrested for a variety of offences including trafficking in dangerous drugs, theft, robbery, arson with intent, indecent assault and outraging public decency.

The youngest awardee, 19-year-old Liu Kin-leung, helped to intercept and subdue a man who had taken an upskirt photo of a female. The man was convicted of outraging public decency and sentenced to three weeks in prison.

Wu Wing-hong, aged 67, was the eldest awardee. He helped identify a culprit who stole a passenger's property on a flight to Hong Kong. He informed the flight crew after he noticed a passenger taking items from a bag while the owner was asleep. The man was convicted of theft and sentenced to 10 months imprisonment.

During the ceremony, Kwok also took the opportunity to thank the Chamber for sponsoring the programme since its inception in 1973. He also thanked the Fight Crime Committee and District Fight Crime Committee members for their contributions in maintaining law and order.

The twice-yearly Award is organised by the Police Public Relations Branch, and has commended more than 4,000 people since it was launched. Each of the awardees receives a certificate and a cheque for $3,000.