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Police today (November 9) provided information of incidents and cases which occurred the day before and were related to the illegal occupation.
The illegal occupation has lasted for about one and a half months. There are still daily occurrence of incidents and cases relating to the illegal occupation. Earlier, there were messages posted on the social media platforms inciting others to participate in an illegal assembly in Central. Police already arrested a man for "Access to Computer with Criminal and Dishonest Intent" in Mong Kok on November 7. Yesterday afternoon (November 8), Police spotted a suspicious man at the venue concerned. Police officers intercepted him and found about 200 stainless steel cable ties and five bicycle chain locks in his rucksack. He refused to explain the possession of the items and was arrested for "Possession of instruments fit for unlawful purpose". This 27-year-old man has been released on bail and will report back in early December. The case is being investigated by Central District Investigation Team.
At around 7pm yesterday evening, tens of protestors responded to online appeals and gathered at the footbridge connecting the Admiralty Centre and Central Government Offices. Some of them wore facemasks, goggles or surgical masks. They attempted to block the passage with mills barriers and rubbish bins. Police took immediate action to clear the mills barriers and urged the protestors to leave. They all left the scene before midnight.
Police spokesman condemned the acts of the protestors which disrupted public order. He reminded the youngsters to stay vigilant towards messages posted online. They should avoid being incited by radical individuals and troublemakers to commit any illegal acts. Members of the public should comply with the laws and social order when expressing their views. Police do not wish to see a growing tendency of people not abiding by the law in the community.
At around 12am today, a man quarrelled with illegal road occupiers at the junction of Argyle Street and Portland Street, Mong Kok. Police officers attended the scene to separate the two parties and escorted the man away.
The spokesman stated that the illegally occupied area in Mong Kok remains a high risk area, with radical individuals, troublemakers and people holding polarised views gathering there. There are frequent quarrels and disputes. There is a high possibility for more confrontations or violent acts. Members of the public and students, in particular parents with children, are urged to stay away from these illegally occupied areas to avoid unnecessary injuries.
In addition to the mobile phone theft case which happened on Harcourt Road, Central in the small hours yesterday, Police received report of another case at around 8.40am today. A man, who stole a mobile phone valued at $3,000 from a tent on Nathan Road, Mong Kok, was stopped and handed over to Police. The 41-year-old man was arrested for ¡§Theft¡¨. The case is being handled by Mong Kok District Investigation Team.
The spokesman pointed out that more and more notorious characters are present in the illegally occupied areas. Criminals can easily take advantage of the deteriorating situation. He reminded the public to take care of their personal properties and that youngsters, in particular students, should be vigilant of the risk of being lured to take part in illegal activities.
Ends/Sunday, November 9, 2014
Issued at HKT 16:43
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