Mainland man arrested for stealing from HK donation boxes using modified backpack

Hong Kong police have arrested a 46-year-old mainland Chinese man for allegedly stealing thousands of dollars from religious donation boxes using an elaborate scheme involving adhesive tools and a specially modified backpack.  

The investigation began on July 24 when staff at Kowloon Mosque and Islamic Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui reported suspiciously low amounts in their collection boxes. 

Surveillance footage revealed a man using sticky adhesive strips attached to strings to extract cash on multiple occasions in mid-July, with accomplices acting as lookouts.  

During an anti-theft operation on August 1, officers caught the suspect red-handed at the mosque. 

His backpack contained over HK$10,000 in cash and customized theft tools—including adhesive films. 

Police discovered the backpack had a secret bottom opening, allowing the thief to discreetly manipulate donation boxes while pretending to search for items.  

Authorities believe the suspect is connected to four similar cases between June and July at Chi Lin Nunnery in Wong Tai Sin and the nearby The Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital, where he allegedly escaped after being spotted by security, leaving behind identical equipment.  

The unemployed suspect has been charged with theft and remains in custody. 

Police estimate each theft netted between several thousand and tens of thousands of Hong Kong dollars.