Police commissioner Joe Chow said on Sunday that anti-fraud publicity efforts will intensify to make Hong Kong "the most difficult place for fraudsters to target".

Speaking at an event marking the fifth anniversary of the force's mascot, The Little Grape, Chow said public awareness of fraud has gone up in the SAR.

"In the first four months of this year, although the number of fraud cases rose by nine percent compared to the same period last year, the amount of losses decreased by 30 percent," he said.

"These figures prove that The Little Grape's persistent reminders have indeed raised fraud awareness amongst citizens. The Little Grape will continue to work hard to prevent fraud."

The Commissioner of Police stressed that fraud prevention requires everyone's participation, adding that the police mascot will continue to innovate and engage with the public.

"We will optimise our anti-fraud promotion strategies to work hand-in-hand with all sectors of society, creating a stronger barrier against fraud," Chow added.