Wan Chai man smashes cashier machine, flees convenience store
AM730 · 2 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
A criminal damage case was reported at a 7-Eleven convenience store at 13 Fleming Road in Wan Chai at about 11:30am on September 9. Police said a man, believed to be about 40 years old, allegedly became upset while queueing to pay and used a canned drink to strike the cashier machine and a shelf before fleeing. Store staff later confirmed damage to the cashier machine and two packs of cigarettes, with losses estimated at about HK$676. Officers searched the surrounding area but had not found the suspect at the time of the report, and the store temporarily closed by pulling down its shutter while police investigated
Key Points
- The incident happened at a 7-Eleven at 13 Fleming Road, Wan Chai, at about 11:30am on September 9
- Police said the suspect was a man of about 40 who allegedly lost his temper while waiting in line to pay.
- He allegedly used a canned drink to hit the cashier machine and a shelf, then fled the store immediately afterward
- Staff checked the damage and found the cashier machine and two packs of cigarettes were damaged, with losses of about HK$676
- Police conducted a search in nearby streets but had not located the suspect, and classified the case as criminal damage
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong retailers, even a brief outburst can disrupt business operations, as shown by the store's temporary closure during the police inquiry. The case also underlines how minor disputes in everyday shopping settings can quickly escalate into property damage and a criminal investigation.