Police said they are struggling to bring crime levels down in Hong Kong, because protest-related violence has not subsided and the use of face masks is allowing criminals to hide their identities, RTHK reports. In an update on crime in the first half, the police said the total number of offenses is up by 28 percent, or just over 7,000, on the same period last year, at 32,345. Violent crime is up by 13 percent due to arson involving protesters, criminal damage, public order and weapons cases. On the day that wearing face masks outdoors becomes compulsory, the force said the widespread use of masks is enabling criminals to conceal their identities more easily. But they note that the authorities now have the national security law to help them prevent and suppress criminal acts, and punish any offenders.

Source: The Standard July 29, 2020 09:33 UTC