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"We are definitely out there to make an arrest if there's a BEACH RAT around" | |
 Bay watch: WPC May Fung Shuk-kwan and a team of 'beach rat' exterminators secure the sun and sand of Repulse Bay beach |
SUMMER
is here and not only does it traditionally attract swimmers to beaches, but also scavenging thieves who prey
on their unattended belongings.
However this may not be the case for much longer, as thanks to the hard work of Police the number of theft cases on Hong Kong Island's southern beaches last year was kept to a minimum. And with this summer's publicity campaign about to start, 'beach rats' will have their toughest time ever trying to steal from the paddling hordes. |
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Task Force Sub-unit Commander of Aberdeen Division Senior Inspector Leung Wing-cheong said: "What we have done in the past few years is to adopt a three-phase policy to step up security measures at Repulse Bay, Deep Water Bay, Middle Bay, South Bay and Stanley throughout the swimming season." Mr Leung said Unform Branch officers were deployed to patrol beaches and their immediate vicinity, including car parks, and with some even patrolling with police dogs to act as an additional deterrent to would-be thieves. "Plainclothes officers also dress up as swimmers and tourists to stroll the beaches to look for suspicious people," Mr Leung said. "We are definitely out there to make an arrest if there's a beach rat around." Sergeant Wong Kin-keung quipped beach rats who were busy looking out for prey, could easily fall prey to their Police predators. But despite the sun-glasses, t-shirts and boardshorts, it's no holiday patrolling beaches, having to endure the blinding sun and scorching sand while keeping an eye on those acting suspiciously. However, well-trained as they are, officers find their own way to survive in such a testing working environment. "We never go without our sunglasses and lots of suntan lotion. And we often take turns to go out in the sun to avoid over-exposure to its rays," said the nicely tanned Woman Police Constable May Fung Shuk-kwan. Good community relations was also essential in the fight against beach thefts. Proprietors of souvenir shops, especially those in Repulse Bay, rely on the large number of beach-goers and officers have been building close liaison with them to encourage prompt reporting of anyone acting suspiciously. In recent years Western District has stepped up publicity against beach rats and this year's programme kicks-off at Repulse Bay, Deep Water Bay and Stanley on July 11. District Commander Western B.C. Griffin, along with Chairman of the Southern District Fight Crime Committee Ko Tam-kan and community leaders will officiate at the opening ceremony at Repulse Bay. Speakers will raise public awareness of beach rats and distribute souvenirs. | |
