Businessman arrested on suspicion of destroying 214 urns in 15 graveyards and 6 sculptures in 3 temples across Hong Kong
- Luxury watch dealer, 38, intercepted by police one and half hours after he allegedly broke a sculpture in Shau Kei Wan temple
- Police are investigating suspect’s personal background and mental state to establish motive for the crimes
Hong Kong police have arrested a businessman in connection with 18 cases of vandalism in which 214 urns were broken in 15 graveyards and six sculptures were smashed in three temples across the city since April.
The 38-year-old man was detained after officers intercepted him in Tsim Sha Tsui at 2.15am on Sunday. A 24cm-long (9.4 inches) metal object believed to have been used in the cases was seized from his car.
The arrest was made about one and half hours after he allegedly broke a sculpture in a Shau Kei Wan temple, according to the force.
Senior Inspector Abdul Faisal of the New Territories North regional crime unit said officers studied a large quantity of security camera footage to identify the suspect. He said the investigation suggested the man drove his car to the crime scenes.
Officers were investigating his personal background and mental state to establish the motive behind the crimes, he said. But he ruled out the possibility of theft because no property or valuables were stolen.
A source familiar with the case said the investigation showed the man developed a bad temper after receiving brain surgery earlier this year.
As of Monday afternoon, the suspect, who is a luxury watch dealer and a Hong Kong identity card holder, was still being held for questioning.
According to the force, the majority of the graveyards involved were in the New Territories and included Ta Ku Ling, Lok Ma Chau, Yuen Long and Tuen Mun. Most of the cases were reported to police in the first two weeks of November.
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One of the cases of criminal damage involved 50 urns being smashed near a Tin Shui Wai village last month.
Condemning the illegal acts, the Heung Yee Kuk New Territories, a government-recognised body that represents the interests of indigenous villagers, praised the speedy detection of the cases by police.
The body also urged relevant government departments to enhance patrols and protection to ensure the social harmony and stability of the rural areas in the New Territories.
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Chief Inspector Tsui Ka-wing of the New Territories North regional crime unit said the acts disrespected the dead and also broke the law. In Hong Kong, the maximum punishment for criminal damage is 10 years in jail under the Crimes Ordinance.
She appealed to witnesses and anyone with information to contact officers on 3661 3363.
Between January and September this year, police handled 3,804 reports of criminal damage, down 12.6 per cent from the 4,351 cases logged in the same period last year.
