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In view of the upward trend of crimes relating to debt collection practices in the first half of this year, Tuen Mun District (TMDIST) conducted “Operation Solomon” between August 8 and 14 to fight illegal debt collection crimes and raise the stakeholders’ awareness of crime prevention. In the operation, a total of 16 individuals were arrested for having involved in offences including criminal damage, criminal intimidation, possessing articles with intent to destroy or damage property, lending money at an excessive interest rate, operating a gambling establishment and on-street gambling.
Moreover, TMDIST officers proactively enlisted the cooperation of stakeholders in the community to combat the related crimes through publicity and education. Apart from distributing crime prevention leaflets in local housing estates, officers hosted a video conference with 21 representatives of 13 local property management companies on August 10 to share the ways to combat illegal debt collection activities, with a view to fostering a partnership with them.
During the conference, officers explained the trend of the related crimes and the latest modus operandi of criminals to the property management company representatives. Officers also provided recommendations for enhancing the awareness among frontline security personnel. The two parties would make a concerted effort to nip crimes originated from illegal debt collection in the bud. The representatives thanked the Police for sharing crime prevention information. They would continue to maintain liaison with TMDIST with a view to strengthening the collaboration between the Police and the community as well as improving the law and order of the district.
