Forty Hong Kong citizens were commended at the Good Citizen Award Presentation Ceremony on Thursday for their bravery in helping the police fight crime.

The recipients comprised 31 men and nine women. With their help, about 40 culprits were arrested for a variety of offenses including wounding, blackmail, robbery, burglary, theft and loitering.

One of the recipients, a taxi-driver Chan Ping-kau helped Police arrest three thieves in a robbery case.

On Feb. 15, 2005, three men were suspected to have snatched a woman's handbag. Witnessing the incident, Chan tailed the trio and asked three patrolling police officers for help.

The police officers arrested the trio and the stolen properties were recovered. The trio were charged for conspiracy to steal. During the ceremony, recipients were each presented with a certificate and a check of 2,000 HK dollars for their initiatives in fighting crime.

Commending the recipients for their initiatives, courage and contribution to Hong Kong's public order, Police Director of Personnel and Training Tsang Wai-hung said they had set good examples for other citizens.

He said the joint efforts of the police and the public in the fight against crime had made Hong Kong a prosperous, stable and harmonious society.

The Good Citizen Award Scheme, first launched in 1973 and is held twice a year, is organized by the Police Public Relations Branch.

(Xinhua News Agency June 9, 2005)