Wanchai District (WCHDIST) launched Project WAN-guard early this year to lobby proprietors of retail shops to become police informers in a bid to strengthen its intelligence-gathering network. Officers would also make use of the platform to spread crime prevention messages to the proprietors to make them guardians of the District.

Acting WCHDIST Commander Tse Ming-yeung signed a charter of collaboration for Project WAN-guard with Chairman of Hong Kong Causeway Bay Industry and Commerce Association Dr Chow Kam-wai on February 9. They presented certificates of appreciation to some 50 proprietors of retail shops for their participation in the project. Other stakeholders, including District Officer (Wan Chai) Mr Chan Tin-chu and members of Wan Chai District Council and Wan Chai District Fight Crime Committee, also attended the ceremony.

After Mr Tse briefed the stakeholders of the latest crime situation in WCHDIST, Inspector Yu Wing-suet of District Intelligence Section alerted the proprietors of the modus operandi of shop theft and burglary cases as well as preventive measures. The event enhanced the partnership of frontline officers with the retail sector to facilitate intelligence collection.