Six people jailed for street deception
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Four women and two men, aged between 29 and 44, were sentenced at the District Court today (September 26) to prison terms of between two years and six months and five years with the enhancement of sentence under section 27 of the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance for conspiracy to defraud and obtaining property by deception.

The court heard that on February 26 this year, Police arrested the four women and two men attempting to deceive a 46-year-old woman victim during an intelligence-led operation conducted in Tin Shui Wai.

Two women pretending to look for a ritual master approached the victim for help. The third woman then appeared and claimed that she was the granddaughter of the master. She told the victim that the victim's family had ill fortune and suggested that she should take out her money and valuables for blessing.

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

Investigations revealed that three of the women were also involved with five other similar cases that happened between July and October last year in Lam Tin, Tai Po and Tai Wai, which involved about $258,000.

The four women and two men were charged with conspiracy to defraud and obtaining property by deception and sentences were handed down 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. 6
Issued by PPRB

Ends/Friday, September 26, 2008
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