By Jess Ma

Copyright scmp

The number of crimes committed by juveniles in Hong Kong has dropped by 14 per cent in the first half of this year compared with the same period last year, with the largest decreases seen in fraud and money laundering.
But authorities reported that arrests of teenagers for dangerous drug offences, indecent assault and criminal damage had increased this year.
Commissioner of Police Joe Chow Yat-ming said on Monday that while the overall reduction in youth arrests reflected the impact of the force’s collaboration with other sectors, efforts must continue to prevent young people from breaking the law.
“Youth work cannot be done by one party alone, not just police or the Education Bureau or teachers or social workers,” Chow said. “Everyone has a responsibility and obligation here.”
Police revealed in a booklet for parents and teachers that 1,326 people aged between 10 and 20 were arrested in the first half of this year, marking a 14 per cent decrease from the 1,541 cases recorded in the same period last year.
This year’s figure was also lower than the average for the same period over the past 10 years, which was the same as last year’s tally.
The top five categories of juvenile offences – scams, money laundering, theft, wounding and serious assault and burglary – fell by between 16.7 per cent and more than 45.2 per cent.
Scams accounted for the biggest drop in number, with 178 teenagers arrested in the first half of this year, compared with 288 in the same period last year. Money laundering saw the highest percentage decrease, falling by 45.2 per cent to 17 arrests in the first half of 2025.
The police commissioner said the overall situation regarding scams and money laundering had improved, crediting efforts such as an anti-scam mascot and social media campaigns in raising young people’s awareness of criminal traps.
“These kids, they are bright. At least they have some sort of idea that lending their bank accounts isn’t right or that they need to be careful when shopping online,” Chow said.
However, official figures showed increases in arrests for dangerous drug offences, indecent assault and criminal damage.
In the first half of the year, 101 teenagers were arrested for drug offences, compared with 67 in the same period in 2024.

A surge in arrests over etomidate has also pushed up numbers.
“Across various ages and demographics, the situation for etomidate has already replaced other drugs. It’s on par with drugs like cannabis, methamphetamine or cocaine now,” Chow warned.
Police arrested 561 people over 460 etomidate-related cases in the first half of this year, nine and 13 times higher respectively than in the same period last year.
Regarding indecent assault, there were 96 arrests of teenagers in the first half of 2025, up from 78 in the same period last year. Criminal damage arrests among juveniles also rose, with 89 recorded between January and June this year, eight more than during the same period last year.
The police chief linked the increase to the growing problem of online grooming. The force began recording such sexual advances towards children this year, with 48 cases documented between January and June.
Acting Senior Superintendent Crystal Ng Chui-ting of the force’s public relations wing said the booklet now included sections to help prevent teenagers from becoming involved in crime.
These additions debunk common legal misconceptions and reveal criminals’ tactics used to lure youngsters, along with first-hand reflections from arrested youths on their experiences and suggestions for teachers and parents.
“We hope that youngsters who have fallen afoul of the law can share their first-hand reflections as a warning for other teenagers,” Ng said.
The booklet covers five categories of crime: etomidate-related drug offences; grooming; theft; bullying; fraud and money laundering. It includes arrest figures, court sentences, personal accounts from young offenders and warning signs for parents and teachers.
More than 40,000 copies of the booklet will be distributed across all secondary and primary schools from this month.
Wilson Chan Man-ho, deputy executive director of the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups, said teenage clients of his organisation had shared their experiences in the booklet to warn and inspire young readers.
“This is a reminder for young people who have committed a crime that there’s still a chance for change,” Chan said.
He added that he hoped the booklet would help teachers and parents who might not have encountered such cases understand why teenagers might fall prey to criminals or engage in illegal activities.