The number of crimes, including burglaries, robberies and arson, has risen since June and this month there has been several armed robberies, the police said.

Spokesman, chief superintendent Kwok Ka-chuen, suspects criminals may be taking advantage of the protests. He said respect for the law has been declining due to the behavior of rioters. This is the result of deliberately assisting suspects, obstructing police, and spreading false information.

He also criticized netizens who said that some robberies were "fake news."