The local police commander, Chief Inspector Daniel Tsang, issued some warnings to the public and called for reports of suspicious persons in an interview with SAI KUNG BUZZ. Daniel also introduced his new second-in-command, Senior Inspector Jacky Chan, who is a true local.
Highlights of what Sai Kung’s two top police officers had to say:
• Don’t think you will get away any more with double-parking in Chan Man St or Fuk Man Rd, or wherever, because you have someone sitting in the car.
“I am fed up,” Daniel said. The police will give you a $320/$450 ticket on sight. Daniel has been in charge in Sai Kung now for two years and he has seen how most car-drivers blatantly double-park on the town streets. They also block transport interchanges, bus stops and taxi stands. Bursts of ticketing may occur on any day. Daniel said the priority offences for targeting by his officers are:
- Parking on footpaths
- Illegal parking causing obstruction or congestion
- Unlawfully entering a box junction
- Stopping in a restricted zone
- Picking up or setting down passengers in restricted zone
- Loading or unloading goods in a restricted zone
• Every day now there are four or five uniformed officers on the streets overtly wearing video cameras. Daniel said the new kit can provide additional evidence to back prosecution. The cameras will be switched on in confrontational scenarios, such as disputes or crime incidents. Notice of the filming will be given to the individual when practicable.
• Fraud and deception cases are rife and they are happening all the time. A fool and his, or her, money… Romance scams, hacking of social media, women offering sex, people being blackmailed because they put naked photos on line, business cons, ID theft and fraudulent use of credit card data … these are all going on and the scoundrels are making millions.
• Parents worried about their children can rest easy, at least while the kids are in school. Police community relations officers visit all primary and secondary schools. “There is no evidence of any drugs or harmful activities in the schools,” Daniel said.
• He has recommended to the Transport Department that speed cameras be installed on Tai Mong Tsai Road as a deterrent against speeding.
In more depth here is what the two police commanders had to say with analysis of the main types of crime from January through July 2018:
Drugs: There were six cases of trafficking and one of possession, all involving cocaine or the more dangerous crack cocaine. Drug squads from the Wong Tai Sin District headquarters monitor the situation here closely. “Drug activities in Sai Kung are rather hidden. There are very few dangerous drug reports.” Use of cocaine or ice (methamphetamine) is dangerous, Daniel said. “It damages the central nervous system and harms the internal organs. It can cause hallucinations and schizophrenia. People can go 30 to 40 hours without sleep.” He noted the tragedy of the 19-year-old who jumped off the roof of Centro last year. Cannabis was found near the roof. The police rely on the public to report drug use especially by teenagers, because it usually occurs at home.
Burglaries: During the year so far here have been 21 burglary cases, 17 with breaking and entering. Overall the trend is declining. June was bad, however. Daniel said a burglary syndicate was active in the area. Five men were arrested near Wing Lung Road, Hang Hau. “Hopefully it is broken, but I am not sure the whole syndicate is neutralised.” He also said, “The trend strongly suggests that some incense tree fellers also commit burglary”. These men know how to hide in the hills for a week or two. He asked the public to report suspicious people. If you are riding on a bus and you see an unfamiliar person who “does not look like a worker, who has a big backpack, dirty clothes and looks like he has been in the hills, report him. But do it only when you are safe.”
Traffic accidents: They are occurring almost every day. This month there have been injuries. (The terrible tragedy of the four-year-old girl’s death occurred after this was written.) A woman pedestrian was knocked down on Man Nin St, suffering abrasions to her arms and legs. The police target those who do not wear seat-belts, jay-walk, cycle on pavements or jump traffic lights. The police have been discussing with the Transport Department speeding on Tai Mong Tsai Road and illegal car racing. The department is consulting stakeholders on whether speed cameras should go up on the road. Daniel said he has recommended to the department that the cameras be installed because he believes they are an effective deterrent.
Fraud and deception: These take multiple forms and Daniel and Jacky described them. Seventeen cases reported in Sai Kung this year.
- Romance scams: “They usually target desperate housewives, ladies in their 40 or 50s. They pretend to be military or a lawyer or banker from overseas. The swindler may say he has sent her a gift and it has not cleared customs and she must pay thousands to get the gift out. Once she falls for the first scam the demands get higher and higher.”
- Hacking of social media: Your friend’s WhatsApp or other source is hacked. The scoundrels then send multiple messages to the numbers on the contact list, asking for help to buy online game value cards (e.g. MyCard) similar to the iTune gift cards and send the activation code. Once they get it, money is stolen.
- Women offering sex, sometimes described as compensated dating: Sexy photos are sent. She says she is happy to meet but she wants, say, $3000 in advance. The woman never shows up.
- Naked chat: An individual is conned into posting nude photos on line. Then the blackmail starts.
- Business scams: Thugs pose as your business partner. “I have changed my bank account. Here are the details of my new one. Please pay into it.” Be careful, Daniel said. Check first. ID theft and credit card data theft: Always check your credit card statements. Scoundrels copy your credit card details and use them to obtain assets.
Drones: “They are being discussed a lot. Operationally they are a great tool,” Daniel said. The police are practicing with drones, experimenting with hardware and software, while developing policy. There are many legal aspects to solve. It will all be transparent and clear policy will take time.
Attempted suicides: Three cases so far this year. No deaths. In such cases the police rescue the person and send him or her to hospital. The Social Welfare Department is involved and the police follow up for at least a month, trying to help the person and the family get over it.
Cruelty to animals: A man was convicted of cruelty to an animal because he left his dog locked in a car for a long period.
A bull fell down a hill and was euthanised by AFCD because he had broken two legs. Sai Kung Buffalo Watch said someone had attached a rope to the animal before the accident. The rope became entangled and in his struggles to free himself the bull fell. Daniel said it is police practice in animal cases to consult the SPCA. It was concluded there was no evidence of an criminal offence under the law.
Illegal immigrants: Twenty-three arrests so far this year, most from the mainland but 10 from Vietnam.
Indecent assaults: Two cases of assaults on underage girls. Three cases involving older females. One case of exposure: the individual appeared mentally retarded and was no danger to the community.
Disputes: 274 involving domestic incidents, consumer complaints, traffic arguments, and labour disputes. No violence.
Rental bikes: Gobee has collapsed. Daniel laughed, “I got caught. I can’t get my $50 back.” Clearing up the bikes littering Sai Kung is the responsibility of FEHD or Lands Department.
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