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Forty citizens who helped the Police fight crime were commended at the Good Citizen Award (GCA) Presentation Ceremony today (June 17).
The Award, presented twice a year, is organised by the Police Public Relations Branch with full sponsorship from the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC). More than 3,700 ardent citizens have been commended over the years.
With the help of the awardees - 37 men and three women - more than 40 people were arrested for a variety of offences including telephone deception, theft, burglary, robbery, criminal damage, illegal immigration and indecent assault. Each awardee received a certificate and a cheque of $2,000 at the ceremony.
One of the awardees, Mr Leung Ho-sing, helped police arrest a male swindler involved in a telephone deception case.
Mr Leung received a telephone call from a man who claimed to be his son and had debts of $200,000. Mr Leung then asked his wife to contact their son and found that the call was a scam. Mr Leung reported the case to the Police, pretended to negotiate with the swindler, and later agreed to put a bag of money on a flowerbed in Sham Shui Po. The man who went to pick up the money was arrested by the Police. The swindler was convicted of obtaining property by deception and sentenced to 10 months' imprisonment.
In another case, Mr Lo Chau-chi assisted police in the arrest of a thief.
Mr Lo was on a bus one early morning and saw a male passenger stealing a wallet and a mobile phone from a female victim who was asleep with her bag on her lap. Mr Lo informed the bus driver and reported the case to the Police. The man was convicted of theft and sentenced to 160 hours of community service.
Speaking at the ceremony, Police Director of Operations, Mr Hung Hak-wai praised the awardees for their courage and strong sense of justice. He pointed out that public support for the Police was crucial to maintaining a stable and harmonious society. The award scheme not only enhanced the police-community partnership, but also boosted the public understanding and confidence in the Police. It was a good example of engaging the community.
CEO of HKGCC, Mr Alex Fong, and member of the Fight Crime Committee, Mr Kwan Chi-ping, also officiated at the ceremony.
Mr Fong said that the award scheme had been running for 39 years and was worthy of praise and recognition. It reflected the persevering spirit of Hong Kong people in days of prosperity and crisis alike throughout the years. This year was the 150th Anniversary of HKGCC and it would continue to support this meaningful scheme.
Before the award presentation, a new TV Announcement in the Public Interest (API) "Beware of Telephone Deception" was premiered to launch the Fight Crime Publicity Campaign 2011-12.
The TV API with Cantonese and English versions, and its corresponding radio API with Cantonese, Putonghua and English versions will be broadcast on local TV and radio stations starting tonight, calling on the public to stay alert and not to give fraudsters a chance.
The Fight Crime Publicity Campaign is planned and implemented by the Fight Crime Committee Publicity Sub-Committee, comprising representatives from the Security Bureau, Police, Home Affairs Department, Information Services Department, Social Welfare Department and District Fight Crime Committees.
Police Report No. 28
Ends/Friday, June 17, 2011
Issued at HKT 18:30
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