Man caught stealing laser detectors from cars
A man was arrested after a struggle yesterday on suspicion of stealing laser speed gun detectors installed in cars by owners wanting to dodge police speed checks.
He was held after officers from a police taskforce spotted a man acting suspiciously in the car park of Oi Tung Estate, Shau Kei Wan, and later saw him smash a car window and reach inside.
The 30-year-old suspect, identified only as Lee, resisted arrest and was overpowered after a scuffle in which he and an officer were slightly injured.
Police found a laser speed gun detector in a bag he was carrying, along with screwdrivers and other tools.
A subsequent investigation found the window of a car in nearby Aldrich Garden had also been smashed. Police believe the detector found in the bag was stolen from this car. Officers are looking into whether the man is connected with six other thefts of laser detectors from vehicles in the area.
The injured man and the male officer were taken to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital.
The man was detained last night.
A retailer was quoted by media as saying detectors had been gaining popularity among motorists. He said they could detect police laser guns from a distance and alert the driver to slow down. He could sell 10 of the devices, costing HK$1,000 to HK$3,000, a month, he said. They are available in car accessories stores.
