3 arrested for allegedly pickpocketing HK$270,000 from ATM and bank users in Hong Kong
Suspects, aged between 39 and 47, believed to be linked to seven similar cases reported from different districts across city, police say
Hong Kong police have arrested a group of three people suspected of pickpocketing HK$270,000 (US$34,770) in cash from victims who just withdrew cash from ATM machines or banks.
Inspector Woo Nok-hin said on Saturday two men and one woman had been remanded in custody since Friday after they were apprehended in a police operation.
Officers on Friday noon conducted a patrol at a Tuen Mun shopping centre and noticed the trio tailing a resident who took cash from an ATM, Woo said.
The suspects, aged between 39 and 47, held valid travel permits to enter the city and were believed to be linked to seven similar cases reported from different districts across the city.
“We believe the force had cracked down on a group of thieves who premeditated the crime, as they tended to loiter around banks or ATMs and followed those who just withdrew a large amount of cash,” said Woo of Tuen Mun’s crime unit.
Woo added that the suspects took advantage of busy places and snatched the victim’s valuables from their rucksacks or handbags.
