Hong Kong police officers draw guns to arrest five suspects over botched robbery at Sham Shui Po shop
- Knife gang failed to get into watch store because the door was locked
- A 16-year-old boy was among those arrested after a 12km car chase
Two officers drew their guns to arrest five suspects, including a 16-year-old boy, over a bungled robbery that failed when the gang could not get through a shop door.
Four males armed with knives tried to raid a watch shop in Cheung Sha Wan Road, Sham Shui Po, on Sunday afternoon, police said on Monday.
But they were forced to abandon the hold-up attempt when confronted with a locked front door, before leading police on a high-speed car chase over 12km.
“Two to three of the robbers tried in vain to break the glass door with knives because the glass door was very strong,” said Inspector Tse Yau-him, of Sham Shui Po district crime squad.
After the botched raid soon after 2.15pm on Sunday, the four culprits, who were wearing face masks and caps, returned to a white car driven by a fifth man, which sped towards Tsuen Wan before police arrived.
About 15 minutes later, officers on board an unmarked police car, a BMW sedan, spotted the white car travelling at high speed and switching lanes recklessly along the New Territories-bound Tolo Highway in Tai Po, leading police to give chase.
When reaching Fanling Highway, near Kwu Tung in Lok Ma Chau, the driver of the getaway car lost control and smashed into an anti-crash barrier.
As officers approached, the five males tried to escape and one of them was found carrying a knife at the time, according to police.
“Two officers issued warnings and drew out their guns to stand by,” Tse said, adding five suspects were subsequently arrested.
‘Armed’ robber steals HK$1.4 million in valuables from Sham Shui Po shop
Police seized from the car two bottles of paint thinner, a hammer, four knives and plastic cords along with gloves, caps and face masks.
Police arrested the four passengers aged from 16 to 20 and the driver, 33, for attempted robbery. The driver was also arrested for dangerous driving.
As of 1pm on Monday, the five Hong Kong residents were still being held for questioning at Cheung Sha Wan Police Station. None of them had been charged.
Time bandits grab HK$1 million worth of watches in daring Mong Kok hold-up
Detectives from Sham Shui Po district crime squad are handling the case. Police appealed for witnesses or anyone with information to contact officers on 3661 9816.
Last Wednesday, a male robber wearing a helmet, black goggles and face mask made off with HK$1 million (US$127,500) worth of watches and gold ornaments from a Sai Yee Street shop in Mong Kok at 1.11pm, after threatening a female member of staff with a knife. He fled in a getaway seven-seat car driven by another man.
In the first six months of this year, police handled 44 reports of robbery across the city.
