Security chief Chris Tang said on Wednesday that the government will install more cameras in public places to deter serious crimes, such as terrorist attacks and national security violations.

He made the comment in response to a question at the Legislative Council about recent stabbing attacks that have affected confidence in public safety.

Tang told lawmakers that there had been 64 stabbing cases in the first five months of this year – 20 percent less than the same period last year.

But in view of several serious knife attacks in recent weeks, the security chief said police have beefed up street patrols, including at crime blackspots, shopping malls and MTR stations.

He added that backroom staff and officers from other units have been redeployed to support uniform officers.

When asked by Business and Professionals Alliance lawmaker Jeffrey Lam whether the redeployment will undermine the work of other squads, Tang said that is inevitable.

“We need to do that in the short term so as to restore public confidence. At this critical moment, we need to increase police presence on the streets,” he said.

"When the situation has gradually stabilised, we will redeploy our manpower and resources."