Police smash chain store theft syndicates
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     Police have arrested 11 people in relation to a series of chain store theft cases throughout Hong Kong.

     Officers of Regional Crime Unit, Kowloon West (RCU/KW) conducted an anti-shop theft operation codenamed "Toolbox" early this month.

     The operation was to combat shop theft activities which targeted major chain stores.

     During a three-day operation between 24 and 26 June, RCU/KW officers raided various locations in Kowloon and New Territories, including two pharmacies in Mong Kok and Hung Hom, seizing suspected stolen goods, including medicines, cosmetics, and milk powder worth about $90,000. Six men and five women, aged between 27 and 61, were arrested.

     Police enquiries revealed that the suspects allegedly resold the stolen goods to local drug stores at half price.

     All those arrested are still being detained for further enquiries. 

     Police appeals to all people in charge of stores not to buy any goods they suspect of being stolen. Anyone convicted of handling stolen goods may be sentenced to 14 years of imprisonment.


Police Report No. 6 

Ends/Thursday, June 26, 2008