Smartphone theft hits MTR

The number of cellphone thefts on railway premises has almost doubled from last year's 51 to 91 in the first 11 months this year.

Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee disclosed the figures on Wednesday, in response to a legislator's enquiry about pickpocketing activities targeting the more valuable smart phones.

Lee said pickpocketing cases occur most frequently at major interchange stations, or stations connected with "at grade" public transport interchanges in the railway system, particularly during morning and afternoon peak hours when train compartments and stations are crowded.

Flour mills not defunct: Lam

Secretary for Development Carrie Lam apologized on Wednesday to the owner of Kowloon Flour Mills and the company's employees, for mistakenly declaring the company has ceased operations.

In an earlier radio show, Lam cited the "defunct" flour factory as an example of possible conservation projects in Eastern Kowloon and said it had stopped operation.

Actually, flour production continues in the landmark built in 1966.

Lam apologized for her incorrect information.

She said she has contacted the factory to arrange for a tour. The operator has agreed but the date hasn't been fixed.

60% have passable health

A study by the School of Public Health of the University of Hong Kong has given 60 percent of local families a passing grade on health.

The study was based on a health index named the "10-point Healthy Living Index" (HELI). It was intended to allow members of the public to assess their general health easily.

The HELI consists of two categories: healthy lifestyle (smoking , drinking, physical activity and eating of vegetables and fruit) and healthy physical condition (body mass index and blood pressure).

Of the more than 20,000 Hong Kong families interviewed between March 2009 and March 2011, 64 percent of Hong Kong people scored 6 points (pass) or above.

Nearly 24 percent received at least 8 points (very healthy).

The mean score for people of Hong Kong is 6.11.

Moreover, the study found that 90 percent of Hong Kong people have inadequate vegetable and fruit intake and 30 percent of Hong Kong people were considered obese.

New Zealand man extradited

A 30-year-old New Zealand man, wanted for multiple counts of theft and money laundering, was extradited to New Zealand from Hong Kong on Tuesday night.

Upon a request of the New Zealand government, under the Agreement for the Surrender of Accused and Convicted Persons, Interpol arrested the man on Sept 29.

An extradition hearing was held at the Eastern Magistrates' Courts from Sept 30.

The court made an order on Oct 27, committing the man to custody to await the Chief Executive's decision as to his surrender.

China Daily

(HK Edition 12/22/2011 page1)