Boy, 13, among 16 arrested as Hong Kong police tackle juvenile crime

Suspects arrested for various alleged offences such as disorderly conduct, possession of offensive weapons, deception and assault

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 suspicion of various offences, including disorderly conduct, possession of offensive weapons and dangerous drugs, deception and assault.

“We have long been concerned about youth crime and will continue enforcement actions to combat such offences,” Chief Inspector Wong Chi-tang said.

“I urge young people not to break the law out of momentary mischief or peer pressure, because youthful ignorance is no excuse for committing offences.”

The arrests included nine people in Kwai Tsing, the youngest of whom was 14. Officers also seized suspected etomidate vape cartridges, an e-cigarette device and 91 nicotine cartridges – with the haul collectively worth about HK$5,100.

Two boys, aged 14 and 15, were also arrested at Kwai Chung Plaza. The suspects were found with a metal bicycle seat-post, among other items.