Violent crimes,including murder,wounding,serious assault,rape,indecent assault,kidnapping,blackmail,criminal intimidation,robbery and arson,declined to 13 749 cases,compared with 15 191 in 1996.

• 年内，谋杀、伤人、严重殴打、强奸、非礼、绑架、勒索、刑事恐吓、抢劫及纵火等暴力罪案，减少至13749宗，而一九九六年则录得15191宗。