Four women jailed for attempted street deception
*************************************************     


     Four women, aged between 35 and 37, were sentenced at the District Court today (February 28) to imprisonment ranging from three years to four years for conspiracy to defraud. 

     The court heard that on September 18 last year, officers from Commercial Crime Bureau saw two men and four women attempting to deceive a 66-year-old woman victim during an operation conducted in Hung Hom.

     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 granddaughter of the master. They told the victim that her son had ill fortune and suggested that she take out all her valuables for blessing. 

     Police immediately arrested the three women. Meanwhile, one other woman and two 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 today while the remaining four women were convicted and sentenced to imprisonment ranging from three years to four years 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.7

Issued by PPRB

Ends/Thursday, February 28, 2008
NNNN