HONG KONG: Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee has defended police handling of acid attacks in the city, in the face of criticism of the department's failure to arrest the perpetrator. Lee also gave assurances that security in buildings in high-risk areas would be enhanced.

Six incidents have occurred in which corrosive fluids were thrown from a height onto pedestrian precincts in different districts. The first took place in December 2008.

Lee acknowledged the urgency of the situation and the will to catch the attacker. Since the first acid attack, police have deployed more manpower, including plain-clothes officers, in Mong Kok, where the majority of attacks have occurred. Police have also gone door to door around the crime scenes gathering evidence, he said.

Speaking at yesterday's Legislative Council session, Lee pointed out that "the investigation is in progress" and the police "are not helpless" but "they need some time".

He admitted police have yet to identify the perpetrator and he acknowledged there could be copycat incidents with more than one perpetrator. "The culprit is rather smart and it is a contest of wits," Lee said.

Since the culprit was unknown to his victims, the investigation is even more difficult, Lee noted. Police also faced additional obstacles because the evidence is scant and there have been no eyewitnesses.

When asked about the possibility of launching drills for shop owners and the public so that they know how to handle similar incidents, Lee said the administration would liaise with local communities to find out whether the idea is feasible.

Lawmaker Priscilla Leung Mei-fun enquired how the government would help at older buildings that have no management bodies, to strengthen security. Lee said District Officers (DOs) have put efforts into encouraging buildings to form Owners' Corporations or Owners' Committees to better manage the buildings.

For buildings with low security, some District Councils have arranged subsidies to assist in the installation of iron gates and CCTV cameras, Lee said. He added, he would refer the matter to the Financial Secretary to allocate funding to assist such buildings.

Police have offered seven cash rewards totalling HK$1.7 million for help in providing effective clues about the incidents. The public has been encouraged to report suspicious individuals entering or leaving their buildings, Lee told the lawmakers.

Asked about roof covers for buildings, Lee replied that the government would examine the feasibility of the measure and determine whether the changes would affect building structures or violate the Fire Safety (Buildings) Ordinance.

The acid-thrower has haunted the city for 13 months. More than 100 people have been injured in the attacks. There have been three attacks in Mong Kok, one in Sham Shui Po, one in Causeway Bay and one in Yau Ma Tei.

(HK Edition 01/14/2010 page1)