Hong Kong Criminals Prey on Tourists from Mainland China

As if last week’s scandal, involving unscrupulous Hong Kong jewelers peddling fake high-end jewelry and watches to the mainlanders at “genuine” prices was not enough bad news, another technique of separating Chinese visitors from their money is on the rise -pickpockets, the South China Morning Post reported.

In the first quarter of 2007, 39 mainland visitors have been victims of the crimes such as pickpocket, theft, snatching, deception and robbery in the Kowloon West region alone. There were only 15 reports of such crimes in Kowloon West region last year.

Criminals are using motorcycles and taxis with fake license plates and while one of them would drive the vehicle close to the tourists as they step off the pavement, the others would raid the distracted person’s pockets and bags.

Flyers asking mainland visitors to be alert and take care of their property will be distributed at all train stations, ferry terminals, shopping areas, sightseeing spots and hotels.