Hongkonger who allegedly tailed, robbed woman with new banknotes arrested
Police apprehend man, 49, who followed victim, 77, from Tuen Mun bank to her home, and took HK$5,200 and other belongings
Hong Kong police have arrested a man for allegedly following an elderly woman who had withdrawn new banknotes for Lunar New Year red envelopes and robbing her of cash worth HK$5,200 (US$668) and other belongings at her home.
Acting Chief Inspector Chan Hok-lun of the force’s Tuen Mun district on Sunday reported the aggravated burglary case involving a 77-year-old female victim who had withdrawn the notes from a bank on Saturday.
“She later took the light rail home. Simultaneously, a local man, suspected of noticing the victim carrying cash as she left the bank, trailed her along the way,” Chan said.
“As she prepared to enter her home, the man suddenly revealed a pair of scissors he had on him and then forced the victim into the house. He proceeded to ransack the place and eventually fled after stealing her cash, phone, Octopus card and other belongings.”
He said officers immediately reviewed CCTV footage and conducted intelligence analysis to identify the man’s distinctive features, as well as his escape route, after the Tuen Mun district received a report at 1pm.
The victim was taken to Tuen Mun Hospital. She sustained no injuries and was discharged on the same day.
The acting chief inspector added that a joint operation by officers from the districts of Tuen Mun and Mong Kok led to the arrest of a 49-year-old man.
