Four people jailed for attempted street deception
*************************************************     


     A man and three women, aged between 28 and 40, were each sentenced at the District Court today (February 27) to three years and eight months' imprisonment for conspiracy to defraud. 

     The court heard that on September 5 last year, Police saw three men and three women attempting to deceive a 66-year-old woman victim during an anti-crime patrol conducted in Yuen Long.

     Two women pretending to look for a ritual master approached the victim for help. During their conversation, the third woman appeared and claimed that she was the daughter-in-law of the master. She told the victim that the victim's son had ill fortune and suggested that she take out all her valuables for blessing. 

     Police immediately arrested the three women. Three men, who acted as lookouts nearby, were also arrested. All of them came from the Mainland.

     After investigations, they were charged with conspiracy to defraud. Two men were subsequently acquitted and deported to China on February 22 while the remaining man and three women were convicted and each sentenced to three years and eight months' imprisonment today.

     Police called on members of the public to be cautious and to discuss with their family members before making any decisions about taking out their valuables for blessing.  

Police Report No.3 
Issued by PPRB

Ends/Wednesday, February 27, 2008
NNNN