POLICE BLOTTER

Senior inspector Ron Yung reports on recent cases around town

Expensive mistake

On January 8 a female aged 18 received a phone call from someone claiming to be her friend. The caller asked the girl to send over $80,000. After sending the money, her friend arrived back from work with no knowledge of the phone call. The case is still under investigation.

A little too relaxed

At 4:40pm on January 7 a male aged 41 was stopped for a routine check at the Sai Kung Public Pier. He was found to be carrying an electric cigarette containing yellow liquid, suspected to be Cannabis oil. He was arrested at the scene.

Keep your clothes on

On January 7 a male aged 63 had a naked video call with a woman via Facebook. After the call, the woman threatened to show people the video unless he sent her $5,000. The man refused to send her the money and reported the case to the police.

More parking trouble

On the afternoon of December 20 a man parked his car outside of Pak Kong Football pitch. When he returned eight days later on December 28, he found the rear window smashed and $20 in coins missing. The case is still under investigation.

That wasn’t Santa

A house in Shan Liu Village was broken into on Christmas Eve while the owners were

Burglary prevention: • Secure doors and windows • Activate anti-burglary measures • Call 999 if you encounter a suspicious person

sleeping. Police believe the robber entered the house through a balcony door and stole a watch and ring worth over $100,000 from the living room table. The case is still under investigation.

Too good to be true

A woman aged 42 met a man over Whatsapp on December 13. Over the weeks the two became lovers. The man told her that he wanted to send over a gift but needed $17,500 to cover the delivery cost. After sending over the money the man became unreachable.

What’s happening at sea

Based in Tui Min Hoi, Marine East Division is the local base of the Marine Police.

A propelling tale

A man aged 40 took five friends on his private boat on the afternoon of December 30. While at sea the propeller malfunctioned and the boat began drifting towards the shore. The owner connected the marine police, who arrived shortly before 5pm and brought them to safety. The boat was handed over to a towing company.

Sharp objects on Sharp Island

At 2pm on December 27 a mother and her seven-year-old daughter ventured over to Sharp Island. While playing in the sand, the girl cut her palm on an oyster shell and began bleeding. The mother called the police who swiftly located the girl and performed first aid on the wound before taking her to Tseung Kwan O Hospital for treatment.

Perfect time to work

After midnight on December 22, a woman called the police to complain about construction work taking place on a boat at Hebe Haven. When police arrived they found a man repairing his vessel. Police advised him to avoid doing repairs in the early hours of the morning.

Before venturing out into the sea, please make sure you are well prepared physically for the activities, especially in cold weather and know your limits.

Kung Hei Fat Choy

Nicole Slater rounds up 10 things to do around town this Chinese New Year

This year’s celebrations may look a little different but there is still plenty going on, here is our roundup of festive things to do over the holiday period.

10Spruce up your home

Since we are all spending more time at home, why not brighten it up with a bunch of flowers or a Mandarin tree - these are believed to bring good luck around the new year.

Visit the brothers flower shop in the old town or order some via local instagram florist,

Highlight Florist. 18 | SAI KUNG

9Have a picnic at Tap Mun Island 8 Pay your respects at Tin Hau Temple

Enjoy a leisurely boat ride to Tap Man, also known as grass island and experience some peace and tranquility away from the city. Remember to bring all your rubbish back with you to protect the cattle population. Located in the heart of the town, Tin Hau Temple has stood pride of place for over 100 years. Pay the Goddess of the sea respect by burning an incense stick in her honour.

7Visit the Ten Thousand Buddhas

Monastery With 431 steps to climb, this trip will surely 6 Enjoy dim sum on the waterfront get your heart rate up. Lined with 500 life size Buddha statues the trail leads up to Popular amongst tourists and locals, Sai one of Hong Kong’s quirkiest temples. Kung’s waterfront restaurants are famously known for their fresh seafood and dim sum breakfasts. Settle down for a leisurely traditional breakfast of dumplings, spring rolls and turnip cake.

5Explore an abandoned village

Located in a coastal inlet between Sai Kung West country Park and Ma On Shan, Three Fathoms Cove is a relaxing trail leading to the abandoned Sham Chung Village. The village is now surrounded by remote grassland, lush mangroves and original structures including The Epiphany of Our Lord Chapel, one of the historic churches of Sai Kung peninsula. During weekends and public holidays some villagers return to serve cold drinks and noodles for a relaxing afternoon snack.

4Spruce Hit the hills

No long weekend is complete without a trip up to some of the area’s most scenic locations. Check out our hiking bucket list on page 28 for some inspiration.

3Volunteer at an animal shelter

Give back to the community and look after some of Hong Kong’s rescue cats and dogs. Sai Kung Stray Friends are always looking for friendship volunteers to walk, play and hang out with the dogs. saikungstrayfriends.org

2Go for a bike ride 1 Spend time with your loved ones

There has never been a better time to get out in the fresh air and learn how to ride. Explore Tsung Kwan O’s 250-metre wooden cycle track or try out the New Territories Cycle network which we reviewed in last month’s issue. Like any celebration, Chinese New Year is all about spending time with close family and friends. Take this time to meet up and celebrate or have a Zoom call to check in on your loved ones overseas.

Five festive foods to celebrate the new year

Dumplings: with a history of over 1,800 years, dumplings are believed to bring luck. It is said that the more dumplings you eat during the festivities, the more money you will make that year. Whilst filling your dumplings, hide a gold coin in one dumpling for a lucky guest to find. Spring rolls: a traditional dish for Chinese family meals. Traditionally, the dish should incorporate the freshest and most seasonal ingredients to celebrate the start of spring.

Fruit: one of the key elements of the new year is giving gifts to your loved ones. You often see pomelos and tangerines popping up around the festive season due to their symbolic meaning. Pomelos are believed to bring prosperity, tangerines for luck and oranges for wealth. Noodles: long, uncut noodles symbolize longevity during the new year, so be sure not to break them while serving up.

Tray of togetherness: The circular container of different segments puts a smile of anyone’s face as they step into your home. Whilst you can fill them with anything you desire, there are traditional treats you can incorporate. Seeds are often the focus as they symbolise fortune and riches. Lotus root brings abundance and candied coconut and water chestnuts symbolise family unity and togetherness.