Hongkongers wonder why knifepoint robbery suspect allegedly chose bank near home

A man suspected of robbing a Hong Kong bank with a knife and injuring a staff member could be charged as soon as Wednesday night, the Post has learned, with his move to hold up the establishment located in his neighbourhood sparking a heated online discussion.

The jobless man, 49, was handed over to Hong Kong police on Tuesday after he was detained in Shenzhen for allegedly robbing a branch of Hang Seng Bank in Sha Tin the day before. His girlfriend, 34, was also arrested on suspicion of aiding his escape after making off with HK$382,000 (US$48,700).

A source said on Wednesday the force aimed to lay a charge of robbery against the man, adding that the woman was still being questioned.

“They were only arrested last night, so they are still giving statements. Police need more time to investigate. But the force is leaning towards laying a holding charge against the man,” the insider said.

The man allegedly entered the bank at the Fortune City One shopping centre on Ngan Shing Street alone on Monday afternoon. At around 5pm, he allegedly took a butcher knife measuring 30cm (11.8 inches) out of a paper bag and held the weapon to a female employee’s neck.

The Cantonese-speaking man then allegedly forced her to take money from a counter, about HK$382,000 in various currencies, before putting the knife and money into the paper bag and fleeing.