TAIPEI (TVBS News) — New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) unveiled an ambitious youth safety initiative called the "Youth Project" (青春專案) on Tuesday (July 1) at the Sanchong (三重) district police precinct, one of the city's most densely populated urban areas. The program's inaugural operation featured coordinated police inspections of popular karaoke entertainment venues, strategically timed to coincide with the start of summer vacation when teenagers face heightened exposure to various social risks.
During the launch event, Mayor Hou underscored his administration's dedication to strengthening youth protection through enhanced security protocols and comprehensive anti-fraud educational programs. The mayor, a former police official himself, pledged continued refinement of the city's crime prevention framework, specifically mentioning recent interagency operations targeting illegal electronic cigarette sales. Officials confirmed the New Taipei City Police Department (新北市警察局) has already expanded its inspection activities throughout Taiwan's most populous municipality, with special emphasis on combating youth-targeted fraud schemes and addressing drug-related activities that affect young people.
New Taipei Police Chief Liao Xun-cheng (廖訓誠) explained that authorities strategically launched the Youth Project to coincide with the beginning of summer vacation across all educational levels, creating a comprehensive approach to dismantle fraud operations and tackle substance abuse issues affecting young people. According to Liao, the initiative extends beyond targeting organized fraud networks and preventing youth exploitation to include intensified enforcement against recreational drug use, illegal electronic cigarette distribution, and incidents of drug-impaired driving. The police chief detailed how the program incorporates sophisticated monitoring of gang activities while simultaneously working to disrupt their financial networks as part of a broader public safety strategy.
The New Taipei City Government released operational details confirming the Youth Project will maintain continuous activities throughout the summer, running from July 1 to Aug. 31, encompassing the entire school vacation period. Municipal officials described how the initiative will coordinate resources across multiple government agencies and all police precincts within the city to form specialized inspection teams. These units will conduct regular safety checks at public venues frequented by young people, including entertainment establishments, internet cafes, and recreational facilities, to create a comprehensive safety net for vulnerable youth. ◼