Hong Kong's overall crime figure in January went up 2.5 percent over a year earlier to nearly 6,800 cases, Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee said here Saturday.

Speaking on the city's overall crime situation, Lee said the crime rate rise is mainly due to increases in theft and criminal intimidation.

According to Lee, the number of violent crimes increased 10 percent, as criminal intimidation and serious assault cases went up about 165 percent and 12 percent respectively.

Unlawful society offenses, robberies with pistol-like objects and blackmail also surged about 119 percent, 50 percent and 44 percent to 79, three and 49 cases.

Lee said he is concerned about the number of offenses involving firearms. Police will take all efforts and find every means to investigate every case, and work with Mainland and overseas counterparts to stop any firearms from being smuggled into Hong Kong.

"We will also enhance our communication and the exchange of intelligence and information to stop the smuggling of these firearms at source," he added.

On juvenile and youth crime, Lee said the situation has remained stable, with a total of 470 juveniles and 440 young people arrested. The number of Mainland visitors committing criminal offenses in Hong Kong remained low compared with the total number of arrivals, with only 201 arrests.

According to Lee, Turning to drug seizures, the total amount of 11 kg of heroin and 8 kg of methylamphetamine (ice) were seized last month, representing a surge of nearly 267 percent and 167 percent. On the other hand, the amount of cannabis and ketamine seized dropped 88 percent and 50 percent to 4 kg and 1 kg.

Lee said a multi-pronged approach, including enforcement and education, will be adopted to tackle drug abuse.

When asked about the situation of forged Renminbi notes in Hong Kong, Lee said the number of such fake notes had increased with the widespread use of the Renminbi in Hong Kong.

"I think that requires the cooperation among Hong Kong, Mainland and overseas law enforcement agencies to try to trace the source of these fake notes -- where they are manufactured, where they are printed, and then to take enforcement actions," he added.