Two arrested thefts
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Police have arrested a 35-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman in connection with a series of theft cases at musical or piano centres throughout Hong Kong.

Investigations revealed that between late May and mid-August there were 15 theft cases in which wallets or credit cards were stolen from musical or piano centres. Most of the victims were piano teachers who put their belongings in classrooms.

A total of 20 credit cards were stolen and they were immediately used for purchasing goods. It was estimated that a total of $215,000 was spent in various transactions using the stolen credit cards.

After extensive investigations, officers of Regional Crime Unit, Hong Kong (RCU HKI) conducted an operation codenamed "Ironbanner" on Saturday and yesterday (August 22 and 23).

During the operation on Saturday, a 35-year-old man was intercepted at a shopping mall on Shing Tai Road, Chai Wan, about 3pm. Two wallets were found in his possession. A subsequent search at the man's residence in Tung Chung resulted in the seizure of various items that were suspected to have been purchased through the use of stolen credit cards. These items included dried seafood, watches, clothes, shoes and supermarket cash coupons.

Further enquiries revealed that the man had also allegedly used the stolen credit cards to purchase some mobile phones and then sold them to a telecom shop in Kwelin Street, Sham Shui Po. Police subsequently arrested a 36-year-old woman for handling stolen goods at the shop yesterday afternoon and seized 15 mobile phones worth about $60,000.

The arrested man was charged with theft and appeared at Eastern Magistrates' Courts this afternoon (August 24). The arrested woman was released on bail pending further enquiries.

Investigations by RCU HKI are still continuing.

Add Police Report No. 3
Issued by PPRB

Ends/Monday, August 24, 2009
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