Preteens among trio arrested for stealing Labubu dolls in brazen claw machine heist

In a startling case of juvenile delinquency, three boys aged just 11 to 13 - including one primary school student - have been arrested for allegedly vandalizing a claw machine and stealing four collectible Labubu dolls worth HK$1,000 in Tsuen Wan last month.

The audacious daylight theft, captured on CCTV, has raised alarms about a worrying trend of youth involvement in such crimes across Hong Kong.

The suspects, comprising one Primary 5 pupil and two Secondary 1 students, were released on bail after being apprehended in Tin Shui Wai on August 11. Police recovered all stolen items along with the clothing worn during the alleged July 31 incident at a local shopping arcade.

+1

"This case is particularly concerning because of the young ages involved," said a police spokesman on Wednesday. "We're seeing children as young as 10 getting involved in these thefts, often during school holidays when they have more free time."

Investigators revealed the trio allegedly worked together to pry open the machine's prize chute, with one boy reaching inside to steal the coveted designer toys while others kept watch.

The calculated nature of the theft suggests premeditation rather than simple childish mischief, said the spokesman.

The arrests come amid a spike in claw machine-related crimes, with 32 cases reported in New Territories South this year alone.

Shockingly, 15 suspects apprehended were minors, including 14 students. The summer holiday period has seen a particular escalation, with five juveniles arrested across 15 recent cases.

"Parents need to understand that these aren't harmless pranks…theft and criminal damage carry maximum 10-year sentences, and a child's age doesn't guarantee immunity from serious consequences." The spokesman added.

(Marco Lam)