Police Commissioner Joe Chow on Saturday said expanding the closed-circuit television network on Hong Kong's streets would help keep crime rates under control.

In documents submitted to the Legislative Council on Friday, the government revealed plans to install an extra 6,500 CCTV cameras under its “SmartView” programme over the next five years, bringing the city’s total to around 66,500.

The expansion will cost about HK$4 billion, while recurrent monitoring and maintenance expenses associated with the network are also set to rise, from HK$73 million next year to more than HK$240 million within a decade.

Speaking after appearing on a radio programme, Chow said the SmartView system had already proven its worth.

According to police figures, the system has helped with 899 cases since its implementation in April 2024.

“More money will be spent, for sure, for the recurrent costs, but we will make sure that every dollar of this public money is well spent to protect citizens and everyone in Hong Kong,” Chow said.

The force also plans to develop an AI-powered video analysis toolbox to enhance the use of CCTV footage.

Chow said the adoption of artificial intelligence in CCTV monitoring systems wasn't unique to Hong Kong but part of a trend that had seen its possibilities explored in other developed cities as well.

He added that there was no concrete timetable for its roll-out as yet, as legal and infrastructure issues had to be resolved first. However, he said the public would be well informed before implementation.

On new "crash-for-cash" scams, the police chief said the force would carry out a new round of enforcement action as soon as possible.

Four people - a local couple and two doctors - have been arrested in connection with fraudulent insurance claims linked to at least 22 staged traffic accidents, with the largest single claim exceeding HK$300,000.