WAVE OF VIOLENCE: RECENT ROBBERIES

October 17, 2002: Two gunmen open fire as they run away after snatching a cash box containing more than $1 million outside a Jockey Club betting centre in Ma On Shan.

October 29, 2002: Two security guards are robbed of a cash box containing $2.5 million by two gunmen as they leave a bank in Wong Tai Sin. One of the robbers uses the handle of his gun to club the guard carrying the money box.

November 21, 2002: Three robbers try to steal two cash boxes containing $2.35 million in Mongkok but flee empty-handed after chopping a guard with an axe.

December 27, 2002: Three robbers chop a security guard's leg after attempting to snatch a cash box containing $900,000 in Sha Tin.