**************************************
Police have successfully applied for an enhanced sentence under the Organised and Serious Crime Ordinance for a street deception case in which a 42-year-old woman was sentenced to 36 months' imprisonment at the District Court today (November 22).
The court heard that on July 21 this year, a 44-year-old woman was approached by the defendant who asked for the whereabouts of a doctor who had supernatural power on a footbridge near Long Yat Road in Yuen Long and another woman who claimed to know the doctor.
The victim followed them to a nearby restaurant where the victim met another woman and was persuaded to put her cash and valuables in a plastic bag for spiritual blessing. After the ritual, one of the women returned the bag to her. Feeling suspicious, the victim opened the bag immediately and found all her valuables were missing.
The victim gave chase to the defendant and stopped her with the help of a passer-by.
Upon receiving the report, Police officers swiftly arrived at the scene and arrested the 42-year-old woman who was a two-way permit holder with all the valuables recovered. The woman was later charged with one count of obtaining property by deception.
She was found guilty at the District Court and the sentence was meted out today.
Police Report No. 7
Ends/Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Issued at HKT 19:24
NNNN
