Police have charged 16 people involved in a pickpocket syndicate operating mostly in railway stations in Kowloon West.

Since March 31, 16 men and a woman, aged 35 to 53, have been arrested. Four men were picked up at about 5pm yesterday near Mong Kok KCR Station, and another five men were picked up in later raids in other locations.

Police found the group had been targeting tourists and recovered 10 mobile phones, four wallets, $8,000, RMB1,300 and other personal belongings believed to be stolen property.

Six men and the woman, aged 36 to 47, have already appeared in the Kowloon City and North Kowloon Magistracies. Nine other men will appear in Eastern Magistracy on Saturday. Another 33-year-old man has been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Police stress they will take stringent enforcement action against thefts and other 'quick-cash' crimes during the holiday period.