Fab 40: Forty good citizens receive Police praise.

Police have commended 40 citizens for their assistance in fighting crime. The 31 men and nine women aided the arrest of 40 culprits for wounding, blackmail, robbery, burglary, theft and loitering.

Recipients were presented a certificate and cheque for $2,000 by Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Tsang Wai-hung and other officiating guests today.

Recipient Chan Ping-kau helped Police catch three thieves on February 15. He and a taxi driver chased the trio involved in the assault of a woman and the snatching of her handbag in Mong Kok.

Another recipient Kok Tse-ying helped Police net four triad blackmailers who early last year went to her hair salon in Aberdeen Town Centre and demanded protection money. A report was made to Police and the men were identified as known triad targets. An officer worked undercover at the salon and arrested the four, each jailed 27 months for blackmail.

A new television public interest announcement was premiered at the ceremony to launch phase one of the Fight Crime Publicity Campaign 2005-06 with the theme of "Take good care of your own belongings".