Commissioner of Police Joe Chow says surveillance cameras have effectively prevented street crime in the city.

In an interview with Sing Tao Daily, Chow said the police launched the “SmartView” programme in April last year to install surveillance cameras in busy public areas.

So far, police officers have solved 351 cases based on the camera footage, which is an inspiring result, he said.

Chow also said the number of street crimes including car theft, pickpocketing, robbery, wounding and arson has fallen by up to 42.5 percent since the cameras were installed.

According to the force’s plan, 2,000 CCTV cameras will be installed this year.

Chow said the force will install another 2,000 cameras next year, adding that he aims to connect the police CCTV system with those at government departments and the MTR by 2026 or 2027.

The police also hope to introduce facial recognition and artificial intelligence in the CCTV system in the future, he said.

In addition to CCTV cameras, the police are also deploying drones to enhance efficiency, Chow said.