According to Force statistics, in the first 11 months of 2002 there were 755 reported cases of street deception, amounting to losses of more than $42 million. Compared with the same period in 2001, this represented an increase of 32 percent in the number of cases and nearly 14 percent increase in the amount lost.

Among the different types of tricks employed, 'spiritual treatment' specifically targeting the elderly became increasingly common during the past two years.

In 2002, almost 50 percent of cases had involved elderly folk of 60 and above. They were often deceived of a huge fortune by swindlers claiming to be able to help dispel bad luck.

From late November last year to early March this year, Radio Television Hong Kong Channel 5 broadcast eight episodes of 'The Elderly' covering the different modus operandi of street deception gangs on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. The core messages were presented in the form of radio dramas followed by phone-in discussions.

The programmes were well received by the public at large. More importantly, the incidence of the elderly being ripped off in the three-month period December, January and February was 16.62 percent less than for the previous September, October and November. Moreover, the percentage of the same age group falling prey to 'spiritual treatment' also decreased by 10.79 percent.

The elderly are becoming increasingly resistant to the wiles of the street deception gangs. In mid-March, for example, after the last episode had been broadcast, there were two cases in which the prompt reporting of attempts led to the apprehension of nine suspects.

The Force commitment to the fight against crime, especially crime directed at the vulnerable elderly, will continue.

The elderly getting a briefing on street deception gang's modus operandi