On Monday (August 11), police arrested three boys aged just 11 to 13—including a Primary Five student—on charges of criminal damage and theft. Investigations revealed that on July 31, while on summer break, the trio went to play in Tsuen Wan and, driven by momentary greed, damaged a claw machine at a toy capsule shop, stealing four highly sought-after Labubu figurines worth a total of HK$1,000.
Police noted that in less than a month and a half—from early July to August 12—the New Territories South Region has recorded 15 theft cases involving claw machine stores. Including this latest incident, five juveniles have been arrested, four of whom are students. Authorities expressed concern over the trend and urged parents, especially during summer vacation, to monitor their children's behavior and instill proper values.
Three primary and secondary school students arrested
A police spokesperson stated that on the evening of July 31, a man reported that a claw machine at his shop in a Tsuen Wan shopping plaza had been forcibly pried open, with its plastic panel damaged and four Labubu figurines stolen. Surveillance footage showed three boys loitering in the store between 4 PM and 7 PM that day, taking advantage of the lack of staff to vandalize the machine and flee with the stolen items.
After reviewing extensive CCTV footage, including cameras installed under the "Sharp Eyes" surveillance program, officers identified the suspects and arrested them in Tin Shui Wai on Monday. All four stolen figurines were recovered, along with the clothes the boys wore during the crime. The three arrested include a Primary Five student and two Form One students. They have been released on bail pending further investigation and are required to report back to the police in mid-August.
Alarming rise in juvenile theft cases
A senior inspector said that from the beginning of this year up to August 12, 32 theft cases involving claw machine stores have been recorded in the region, with 15 juveniles aged 10 to 20 arrested, 14 of whom were students. Fifteen of these cases occurred in less than a month and a half, with five juveniles arrested in total, including an 11-year-old Primary Five student. Inspector Li stressed the need for society to better protect young people from criminal influences.
The inspector reiterated that shop theft is not a minor offense but a serious crime. Past cases show that offenders will not be excused due to age—even those under 18 can face imprisonment, ruining their futures. Regardless of the stolen item's value, such actions leave an indelible stain on a young person's life.
Police urged parents to pay closer attention to their children's activities, particularly during summer break, when increased free time and idleness may lead to bad influences. Warning signs include sudden possession of large sums of cash or expensive, rare toys at home. Parents should also teach their children proper values, emphasizing that "wealth should be acquired justly" and helping them understand the severe consequences of illegal actions—lest a moment of greed destroy their future.
Enhanced store security measures
Over the past week, the New Territories South Crime Prevention Office has conducted anti-theft campaigns at popular claw machine stores, advising the public, property managers, and shop owners to safeguard their merchandise. Police also reminded various retail stores—including cosmetics shops and unmanned claw machine outlets—to strengthen security measures, such as reinforcing machine casings with high-strength anti-theft panels to prevent forced entry. Additionally, shops are encouraged to install high-definition CCTV cameras covering all blind spots and conduct irregular patrols to ensure proper management.
(Source: Wen Wei Po; Journalist: Xiao; English Editor: Darius)
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