Cheong Kuoc Va, secretary for security, told the press that the number of violent crime cases dropped 37.3 percent year-on-year in the first half of 2001.

The number of murder, robbery, arson, drug trafficking and kidnapping cases have all decreased by big margins in the six-month period, he said.

To reduce the occurrence of illegal cases among the youth, the police often give lectures at schools and youth organizations to help the young people foster correct outlook on life, he said, adding that the crimes committed by the youth have been effectively curbed.

The improvement of public security should be attributed to the government's resolution and residents' cooperation, Cheong said.

The official noted that the Macao police forces will strengthen contacts with their counterparts in the neighboring Guangdong Province and Hong Kong SAR to combat criminal activities.

(People's Daily 08/01/2001)