Their teamwork and professionalism not only have resulted in the swift arrest of a robbery suspect but also won the praise of the panic-stricken victim who has specially sent an appreciation letter to the Commissioner.

"I am writing to express my sincere heartfelt thanks to the police force for their speedy response that resulted in the capture of the thief," the victim wrote. "The efficiency of the police force is truly remarkable."

It all happened on the night of October 21 when a man climbed into the victim's home and tied her up before making off with valuables. The victim later managed to untie herself and called the Police.

Officers led by Sergeant Mak Man-shun immediately swept the vicinity and later requested his colleagues in Aberdeen Division to set up roadblocks in the district. With the help of a taxi driver, the officers arrested a suspect within two hours of the incident.

Caring for the public

The victim appreciates everything officers in the Aberdeen Division Investigation Team Two have done for her, however small it might have been.

Speaking on the officers' caring gestures, she recalled that Woman Police Constable Ho Wing-lai had comforted her and literally held her hands to stop her from trembling from fear after attending an identification parade. She also remembered PC Cheung Siu-wai giving her a hot drink while he took a statement from her again.

Police Constables Lai Chung-yee and Chan Kin-san were among the first officers arriving at the scene, getting a detailed description of the suspect and then informing their colleagues immediately.

The victim said Mr Chan had patiently waited for her to calm down before taking a statement from her on the night of the incident while Mr Lai even turned off the air-conditioning of his office when she was still suffering from shock.

In an interview with OffBeat, Mr Lai said: "The victim was very frightened. So we used every means to comfort her so that she could calmly recall what have happened.

"I have never thought of the victim sending an appreciation letter to us. My colleagues and I will continue doing our best for whatever we ought to do!"

Senior Inspector Sung Chi-tat, the Officer-in-charge of the Investigation Team, said: "Besides investigation work, we care about the mental state of a victim because it is only when victims are calm that they can give more accurate statements, which can in turn help our investigation."

Giving crime prevention tips

The victim has also thanked Stanley Sub-Division Commander Roger Lau Kar-ming and Station Sergeant Cheung Wing-kit for giving her further assistance after the incident.

She said she was grateful to them for visiting her, arranging additional patrols in the area and advising her on how to prevent similar incidents.

Mr Lau told OffBeat: "Every one of us has endeavoured to provide quality service to the public irrespective of their nationalities and their places of residence.

"I am, of course, very delighted to have received the appreciation letter. This is a recognition for every one in my station. This case, once again, shows the Police are very concerned about the feelings of a victim."

The victim wrote: "I know that there are many others who were involved 'behind the scene'. I do not know them, but would like to thank them too.

"As a taxpayer, I must say my tax dollars are being well spent on the Police. Please keep up the good work, and convey my deepest thanks to your superb and dedicated forces in Aberdeen and Stanley," she concluded.

Stanley Sub-Division officers have earned praise with teamwork and professionalism