Boy, 13, among 16 arrested as Hong Kong police tackle juvenile crime
Hong Kong police have arrested 16 people as part of efforts to clamp down on juvenile crime, with those apprehended including a 13‑year‑old boy linked to a shoplifting case involving stolen goods worth about HK$4,000 (US$510). Officers from the force’s New Territories South regional headquarters said on Sunday that the arrestees, aged 13 to 39, included 11 teenagers. They were apprehended on…
Hong Kong police have made 16 arrests as they intensify their crackdown on juvenile crime, including a 13-year-old boy linked to a shoplifting incident involving stolen items valued at around HK$4,000 (approximately US$510). The apprehended individuals, aged between 13 and 39, comprised of 11 teenagers, according to officers from the New Territories South regional headquarters.
They were detained on suspicion of offenses such as disorderly conduct, possession of offensive weapons, dangerous drugs, deception, and assault. Chief Inspector Wong Chi-tang emphasized the ongoing commitment to combating youth crime, urging young people not to engage in unlawful activities driven by momentary mischief or peer pressure, stating that youthful ignorance does not serve as a valid excuse for committing offenses.
The arrests were concentrated in Kwai Tsing, where nine individuals were taken into custody, with the youngest among them being 14 years old. Officers also confiscated suspected etomidate vape cartridges, an e-cigarette device, and 91 nicotine cartridges, which together had an estimated value of HK$5,100. Two boys, aged 14 and 15, were arrested at Kwai Chung Plaza, found in possession of a metal bicycle seat-post and other items.
The shopping center had previously drawn media attention due to groups of youths causing disturbances, disrupting public order, and occasionally wielding weapons, as well as creating problems for shop operators and other members of the public.
In Tseun Wan, the 13-year-old boy, along with another suspect, was arrested in connection with the theft of approximately HK$4,000 worth of food and toys in June. According to a press briefing by the New Territories South headquarters' anti‑triad unit, the area had seen 410 criminal cases involving youths aged 10 to 20 during the first half of 2026, marking a 34% increase compared to the same period in the previous year. These cases primarily involved offenses like shop theft, criminal damage, and minor assault.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post - Hong Kong's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
