A masked taxi driver tends to his vehicle as he waits for customers at Hong Kong International Airport. (EDMOND TANG / CHINA DAILY)

Hong Kong police’s Inter-departmental Counter Terrorism Unit (ICTU) on Tuesday launched a citywide publicity drive to encourage taxi drivers to report information related to terrorism, violence and similar crimes.

If a report leads to a successful conviction, the driver in question may be eligible for a reward, the unit announced in a statement.

To promote its “Spot and Report” campaign, the unit will take part in radio programs and display posters at gas stations and entrances to tunnels, calling for individual efforts to help build a safer community.

Leung Wai-ki, a senior superintendent at ICTU, acknowledged that while the risk of terrorist attacks in Hong Kong remains moderate, criminals with violent intentions still exist in the city. Getting assistance from residents to detect suspicious activities can help prevent violent incidents, he added

Leung Wai-ki, a senior superintendent at ICTU, said that even before the campaign’s launch on July 25, the police had been contacted by many willing taxi drivers who reported crime information, successfully helping the police to stop two gang fights and arrest seven suspects and a drug trafficker.

Leung acknowledged that while the risk of terrorist attacks in Hong Kong remains moderate, criminals with violent intentions still exist in the city. Getting assistance from residents to detect suspicious activities can help prevent violent incidents, he added.

Sonia Cheng, chairman of the Taxi Dealers and Owners Association of Hong Kong, said that drivers can cover more than 500 kilometers in the city every day. By promptly reporting suspicious individuals or events, these drivers can play a crucial role in preventing crimes before they occur, Cheng explained.

ALSO READ: Hong Kong taxi fares to go up starting July 17

The police awarded a bonus to the first counterterrorism informant back in March. The informant, who is a professional driver, realized that his passengers were plotting a violent attack. His report eventually led to the bomb hoax conviction of two suspects under the Public Order Ordinance.

“These cases indicate that reports from drivers are absolutely crucial to crime and terrorism prevention,” said the police statement.

Another three drivers are also in line for a reward, and the police will consider a payout after the cases are concluded.

The police awarded a bonus to the first counterterrorism informant back in March. The informant, who is a professional driver, realized that his passengers were plotting a violent attack. His report eventually led to the bomb hoax conviction of two suspects under the Public Order Ordinance

When the taxi drivers come across terrorism and violence-related information, they should consider making a report after ensuring their own safety, officers said.

There are more than 18,000 taxis and about 46,000 active taxi drivers in Hong Kong, who in the course of their work come into contact with a wide range of people and activities.

Through the Transport Department, the police’s unit has reached out to over 40 taxi associations and companies. While introducing to them the campaign, the unit also promoted counterterrorism and anti-crime information.

It will also disseminate important information to all taxi drivers in Hong Kong through sector representatives so as to safeguard the community and ensure safety at all times.

READ MORE: HK launches taxi service from airport to quarantine hotels

Since the launch of “Counterterrorism Reporting Hotline 63-666-999”, ICTU has received more than 20,000 reports from more than 5,000 informants. Some of them have assisted in the arrest of offenders.