The Office of the Secretary for Security under the Macao SAR government announced on Friday that the police in China’s Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) opened files of 9,799 criminal investigation cases in 2022. This number is the lowest recorded since 2019. Wong Sio Chak, the secretary for security of the Macao SAR government, revealed that the number of criminal investigation cases in 2022 was lower than the figures for the previous three years.
Compared to 2021, the number of criminal investigation cases in 2022 was 13.9 percent lower. Similarly, it was 2.6 percent lower than the number of cases in 2020. The year 2019 recorded the highest number of criminal investigation cases in the past four years, with a total of 14,163 cases. In comparison, 2022 had 30.9 percent fewer cases than 2019.
Wong Sio Chak discussed these statistics during a press conference, indicating that there was a decrease in criminal activities in Macao SAR during 2022. Although the government has not provided any specific reasons for this drop in the number of cases, it is plausible that the COVID-19 pandemic might have played a role in reducing criminal activities. The pandemic has forced many governments worldwide to enforce strict lockdown measures that limit the movement of people, which may have had an impact on the number of criminal cases in Macao SAR.
Compared to the previous three years, there was a significant reduction in the number of cases. Although the reason behind this decrease has not been explicitly stated, it is possible that the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated restrictions may have contributed to it. The statistics are indicative of a safer environment in the region, which is a positive development for Macao SAR.
According to Wong, there were 153 cases of violent crimes reported in Macao in 2022. This figure marks a significant decrease of 40 percent, 37 percent, and 77.3 percent over the previous years of 2021, 2020, and 2019, respectively. This decline in violent crime rates is an encouraging sign for the public safety situation in Macao.
Despite the decrease in overall violent crime rates, serious violent crimes such as kidnapping, murder, and serious assault continued to be rare in Macao. This is a positive development, as these types of crimes can have significant social and economic impacts on a community. Wong’s analysis suggests that Macao’s public security situation remained stable and sound in 2022, despite the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic.
The decrease in violent crime rates in Macao can be attributed to several factors, including effective law enforcement measures, public awareness campaigns, and community engagement initiatives. These efforts have helped to reduce the incidence of violent crime and improve public safety in the region. It is important for policymakers and law enforcement agencies to continue to work together to maintain and improve the safety and security of the community.
The decline in violent crime rates in Macao in 2022 is an encouraging sign for the region’s public safety situation. While serious violent crimes continued to be rare, it is important for policymakers and law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant and proactive in their efforts to maintain and improve public safety. The community’s ongoing engagement and cooperation will be critical in achieving this goal.
Wong revealed that Macao had witnessed a surge in crimes related to the internet in the previous year. These included theft of personal information, fraud, and blackmail carried out online. The increase in these types of crimes underscores the need for effective measures to combat cybercrime in Macao.
To address this issue, Wong vowed to continue stepping up campaigns, inspections, and crackdowns on internet-related crimes. Such efforts are crucial in reducing the incidence of cybercrime and ensuring the safety and security of Macao’s residents. By increasing public awareness of the risks associated with using the internet and enforcing stricter penalties for cybercrime, authorities can work to prevent these crimes from occurring.
Ultimately, addressing the rise in internet-related crimes in Macao will require a multi-faceted approach that involves collaboration between law enforcement agencies, policymakers, and the public. By working together, Macao can develop effective strategies to combat cybercrime and maintain its reputation as a safe and secure region.
In addition to addressing the current situation, Wong also warned of the potential risks of rising criminal cases in Macao in the future. The increased cross-border personnel flow and the resumption of normal economic activities after the COVID-19 pandemic could lead to a surge in criminal activity in the region.
To prevent this from happening, Wong pledged to collaborate with the police in neighboring regions to safeguard the prosperity and stability of Macao. This collaboration will involve sharing intelligence and resources to identify and apprehend criminals operating across borders. By working together, law enforcement agencies in the region can effectively respond to any potential threats and maintain the safety and security of Macao’s residents and visitors.
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