CRIMES (Particulars, and steps to eliminate)

Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for Home Affairs how many armed robberies, murders, and criminal assaults by gangsters or thugs took place between 1st January, 1971, and the latest convenient date; how many cases have been dealt with successfully; and what steps he is taking to eliminate such menace.

Mr Rodrigo (for the Minister for Home Affairs): Mr Speaker, Sir, from January to September this year there were 887 cases of armed robberies, 43 cases of murders and 303 cases of criminal assaults by gangsters or thugs. The corresponding figures for the same period last year are 590, 47 and 28 respectively. The term "armed robberies", however, includes robberies in which simple weapons such as pen knives are used. Fire-arms were used in 78 of the 887 cases of armed robberies.

The number of cases dealt with successfully by the police is 70 for armed robberies, 21 for murders and 102 for criminal assaults. The corresponding figures for the same period last year are 74, 20 and 94 respectively.

More frequent raids on known hideouts or haunts of gangsters and thugs are regularly mounted by the police to eliminate the menace. These gangsters and thugs who are known to be secret society members are detained under the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Act where necessary.

Mr Speaker: There are two Ministerial statements. Mr Barker.