Hong Kong scam losses down 25% in first 5 months of year, but cases up

Police chief reveals overall dip in crime, with 35,888 cases during the period reflecting 2.8 per cent year-on-year decrease despite rise in scams

Commissioner of Police Joe Chow Yat-ming revealed the latest figures at a North District Council meeting on Tuesday, saying the city had recorded 35,888 cases from January to May this year, a 2.8 per cent dip from the same period last year.

But the number relating specifically to scams during the period stood at around 17,000, reflecting an 8.4 per cent year-on-year rise, while total losses dropped by 25 per cent to HK$2.8 billion.