Youth Gang problems have always been a concern for Hong Kong society.  Recently, a local scholar of youth gangs made the point that because of their dense population and high proportion of youth, public housing estates, are a breeding ground for youth gangs.  In fact, most public housing estates are located in New Towns.  

 In view of the continuous development of New Towns, the aim of this study is to find ways to prevent them from becoming breeding grounds for gangs. This study will pay particular attention to the following four areas: (a) the relationship between the characteristics of New Towns and the existence of youth gangs; (b) the importance of recreational facilities and services with respect to different demographic characteristics; (c) the stages of New Town development and the timing of the emergence of gangs; and (d) discussions on the various strategies adopted by communities to prevent youth crime.

 This study is undertaken through the collection of data from four areas: (a) basic demographic data of the New Towns; (b) statistics on youth crime and youth arrested in these two New Towns; (c) in-depth interviews with gang members to understand their participation in gang activities; and (d) in-depth interviews with specialists, concerned authorities and community leaders in Tseung Kwan O and Tin Shui Wai.  This study hopes to be able to provide insight into the relationship between the stages of New Town development and timing of the emergence of gangs.  It also aims to provide recommendations on improving New Town facilities and services planning strategies.

 A self-administered opinion poll of eight secondary schools in Tseung Kwan O and Tin Shui Wai New Towns was conducted in November, 2000.  A total of 852 students from F.1 to F.7 were successfully interviewed.  Concomitantly, an in-depth interview of 16 gang members was also conducted in November, 2000, of which ten were males and six females.  Each indicated an affiliation with triad societies.

    The major findings are as follows:

 1.  Compared with the overall population, New Towns have a higher proportion of youth, while the socio-economic status of residents is comparatively low. These two factors may contribute juvenile gangs.

 2.  Concomitant to the increase in population and commercial activities in Tseung Kwan O and Tin Shui Wai, youth gangs emerged accordingly.  Crime figures also increased at the same time.  Figures show that young people for unlawful offences began as early as the second year of the establishment of New Towns, suggesting that triad activities take root almost as soon as people move into the New Towns.

 3.  According to the Poll, " high risk areas" that gangs easily have access to: estate shops, fast food restaurants, football pitches and parks.  Students wandering around in the community have a higher chance of being encountered, illustrating how gang members are recruited within the local community.

 4.  Cross tabulations show that respondents visiting the homes of friends or schoolmates after school, have a higher chance of being invited to join youth gangs.  40% of respondents' parents have no knowledge about their friends.

 5.  Some respondents show little alertness against triad societies. In New Towns, triad societies present themselves as symbols of power in order to attract youth members who lack a sense of security.

 6.  Respondents felt that the social facilities and social services are adequate in the New Town.  The greater the satisfaction with facilities and services, the higher the sense of belongings to the community.  Public swimming pools and libraries are considered the most important youth facilities in New Towns, yet both Tseung Kwan O and Tin Shui Wai do not have a public library.

 7.  As problems of youth gangs emerge in the early stages of New Town development, the reaction of the community can critically affect the problem.  Kowloon City District has set up a cross- profession mechanism to deal with the issue in a comprehensive way.

 In view of the above discussion, the Federation recommends that:

 1.  The youth gang problems in New Towns should be dealt with proactively, by the setting-up of long term cross- profession mechanisms and formulating early strategies to prevent youth from joining gangs.

 2.  Widely use an out- reach approach and prevent the growth of juvenile delinquency.

 3.  Encourage parents to participate more in school affairs, which will help them understand the daily lives of their children.

 4.  Provide services and facilities in New Towns to help youth to develop a healthy lifestyle as early as possible.  

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