Six jailed for street deception
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Four women and two men were sentenced at the District Court today (November 19) to jail terms of between two years and four months and three years and eight months for conspiracy to defraud and obtaining property by deception.

The court heard that on March 3 this year, police arrested the four women and two men, aged between 48 and 59, attempting to deceive a 61-year-old woman victim during an intelligence-led operation in Tai Po.

A woman pretending to look for a ritual master approached the victim for help. The second woman then appeared and claimed that she was an acquaintance of the master, while the third woman later appeared and claimed she was the granddaughter of the master. Third woman told the victim that the victim's son 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 one of the women was also involved with another similar case on February 12 this year in Yuen Long, which involved about $230,000.

The four women and two men were charged with conspiracy to defraud and obtaining property by deception. Sentences were handed down today.

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

Police Report No. 4
Issued by PPRB

Ends/Wednesday, November 19, 2008
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