These good citizens have helped the Police arrest more than 40 suspects for a variety of offences, including murder, assault, robbery, indecent assault, theft, burglary and deception.

The presentation ceremony, held twice a year, was organised by the Police Public Relations Branch with full sponsorship from the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC).

Ms Cheng Ting, winner of the Good Citizen of the Year Award, helped Police arrest two men wanted in connection with a number of deception cases with visitors to Hong Kong being the victims.

On March 12, 2008, Ms Cheng, a receptionist working in a hotel, received a call from a man who asked to be put through to a room, which was not occupied. Being suspicious, Ms Cheng pretended to be the room occupant. During the conversation, the man identified himself as Ms Cheng's uncle and asked her to meet him the following day. Ms Cheng made a report to the Police and later met the man in the hotel.

The Police subsequently arrested the man and an accomplice. Further investigation revealed that the pair had used similar modus operandi in eight other cases to deceive visitors. They were jailed for 21 and 34 months for obtaining property by deception.

Another award recipient, Mr To Pak-kwan, assisted the Police in apprehending five persons involved in a theft case.

Officiating at the presentation ceremony, Director of Management Services Mike Dowie said 2008 marked the 35th anniversary of GCA and the thousands of GCA winners had displayed courage in assisting the Police to bring criminals to justice. The GCA scheme underscored the importance of Police-community partnership in fighting crime, he noted.

Other officiating guests included Vice-chairperson of the Manpower Committee of HKGCC, Ms Teresa Yang, and member of the Fight Crime Committee, Mr Li Kwok-ying.

Ms Yang said that HKGCC had been sponsoring the award scheme since 1973, and that each year 80 or more brave and righteous citizens were commended for contributing to the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong.

The 40 good citizens with Mr Dowie, Ms Teresa Yang from HKGCC and Mr Li Kwok-ying, Fight Crime Committee member