Bungling Hong Kong robber arrested after trying to use water pistol in attempted HK$200 million hold-up
- Jobless 27-year-old man threatened staff at Sheung Shui branch of moneylending firm Promise
- But employees could tell gun was fake because toy was transparent blue and made of plastic
Two bungling Hong Kong robbers tried to use a water pistol to threaten staff at a finance company into giving them HK$200 million (US$25.7 million) on Monday.
Police arrested a 27-year-old unemployed man at the Sheung Shui branch of moneylending firm Promise, and were hunting for his accomplice, who officers said was in his 30s.
A police source said the attempted robbery at the San Fung Avenue business took place shortly before midday when the two men entered the store, and “one of them drew out a water gun and demanded HK$200 million from the employees of the company”.
Staff members could tell the weapon was a toy, the source said, because it was a transparent blue and made of plastic. The two men reportedly fled the shop after having a brief conversation.
Officers were alerted when staff pressed a panic button to activate the alarm, and before they arrived, the 27-year-old returned to the scene.