Hong Kong Police Celebrate 5th Anniversary of The Little Grape Anti-Scam Mascot with Engaging Awareness Event.

HKPF holds "The Little Grape's 5th Anti-Scam Birthday Party" to promote scam prevention messages

The Hong Kong Police Force held "The Little Grape's 5th Anti-Scam Birthday Party" today (June 8) at Harcourt Garden in Admiralty to celebrate the 5th anniversary of the anti-scam mascot, "The Little Grape". Through interactive games and fun challenges, the event aimed to boost public awareness of scam prevention.

Launched in 2020, the anti-scam mascot emphasises the importance of vigilance against scammers, promotes public awareness, and encourages the sharing of anti-scam information with family and friends.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Chow Yat-ming, said that over the past five years, the Police have organised numerous online and offline promotional activities featuring "The Little Grape". Thanks to these initiatives and the collective efforts of the community, the annual growth rate of scam cases has significantly slowed, declining from nearly 90 per cent in 2020 to 11.7 per cent last year. While the number of scam cases increased by 9 per cent in the first four months of this year compared to the same period last year, financial losses dropped by 30 per cent, indicating a rise in public awareness of scam prevention.

Mr Chow noted that combating scams requires the collective effort of the entire community. He compared scams to viruses and anti-scam publicity campaign to vaccines. When citizens proactively absorb scam prevention information, they build immunity against deception, much like receiving a vaccine. He stressed that only collective action can effectively thwart scammers.

The event featured several interactive activities, including anti-scam games and a surprise flash mob by "The Little Grape" mascot. To mark the 5th anniversary of mascot, the Police also organised "The Little Grape Anti-Scam Tongue Twister Contest”, using four simple and catchy tongue twisters to reinforce scam prevention awareness.

Looking ahead, the Police will continue to refine anti-scam promotional strategies. "The Little Grape" will remain innovative, engaging with the public through a diverse range of activities and collaborating with all sectors of society to build a stronger barrier against scams.

HKFP holds "The Little Grape's 5th Anti-Scam Birthday Party" to promote scam prevention messages Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKFP holds "The Little Grape's 5th Anti-Scam Birthday Party" to promote scam prevention messages Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKFP holds "The Little Grape's 5th Anti-Scam Birthday Party" to promote scam prevention messages Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKFP holds "The Little Grape's 5th Anti-Scam Birthday Party" to promote scam prevention messages Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKFP holds "The Little Grape's 5th Anti-Scam Birthday Party" to promote scam prevention messages Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKFP holds "The Little Grape's 5th Anti-Scam Birthday Party" to promote scam prevention messages Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKFP holds "The Little Grape's 5th Anti-Scam Birthday Party" to promote scam prevention messages Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Special traffic and transport arrangements for New Year's Eve

The Transport Department (TD) today (December 30) reminded the public that the following special traffic and transport arrangements will be implemented on New Year's Eve (December 31) to facilitate the related holiday celebration activities.

Road closures

Road closures and traffic diversions will be implemented in phases from 2pm that day in the vicinity of Central. The public light bus stands, taxi stands and roadside parking spaces on the corresponding road sections will be suspended. Depending on the actual situation, the Police may extend the closure area in the vicinity of Central in phases.

The TD urged members of the public to heed ad-hoc traffic and public transport measures which may be implemented by the Police in the Tsim Sha Tsui area at short notice, including road closures, traffic diversions, alterations or suspension of public transport services and their relevant stops, to maintain public order and safety.

Public transport service arrangements

(i) In connection with the actual road closure arrangement, the bus and green minibus (GMB) routes operating in the affected areas will be subject to temporary diversions, suspension of services or adjustments of associated stops;

(ii) The following MTR service enhancements will be implemented on that day:

The train frequencies of MTR lines (except Airport Express) will be enhanced in phases from 3pm onwards on December 31, and the services in other periods will be strengthened subject to passenger demand;

Island Line, Tsuen Wan Line, Kwun Tong Line, Tseung Kwan O Line (sections from North Point to Po Lam and from Tiu Keng Leng to LOHAS Park), South Island Line, Tung Chung Line, East Rail Line (section from Admiralty to Sheung Shui), Tuen Ma Line, and Light Rail route nos. 505, 507, 610, 614P, 615P, 706 and 751 will provide overnight services;

The last train to Lo Wu will depart from Admiralty at 0.56am on New Year's Day while the last train to Admiralty will depart from Lo Wu at 2.30am; and

The operating hours of the Airport Express, Disneyland Resort Line and MTR Bus route nos. 506, K51 and K54A will be extended.

(iii) Eleven special bus services (including KMB route nos. N43, N64P, N71, N243, N272 and N276; Citybus route nos. NB3, R11 and R22; New Lantao Bus (NLB) route no. NB2; and Cross Harbour route no. 976S) will be operated in the small hours on New Year's Day. The service level and operating hours of various bus routes (including 18 KMB routes, two NLB routes and three Cross Harbour routes) will be strengthened or extended respectively;

(iv) The operating hours of eight GMB routes in Kowloon and the New Territories will be extended; and

(v) Cross-boundary coach operators will provide service via Shenzhen Bay Port during the small hours on New Year's Day. The Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang short-haul cross-boundary coach service will also be strengthened subject to passenger demand. The en-route stop of the short-haul cross-boundary coach service from Jordan to Huanggang Port (northbound) at China Ferry Terminal Bus Terminus will extend service hours on New Year's Eve till 2.30am the following day.

Central to Mid-Levels Escalator and Walkway System Services

The operating hours of the Central to Mid-Levels Escalator and Walkway System on New Year's Eve will be extended to 3am on the following day.

Due to road closures, the TD anticipates that the traffic in the vicinity of Central will become significantly congested. Motorists are advised to avoid driving to these areas affected by the road closures. In case of traffic congestion, motorists should exercise patience and drive with care, and follow the instructions of the Police on site.

Members of the public are advised to make use of public transport services as far as possible to avoid traffic congestion and unnecessary delays. The TD and the Police will closely monitor the traffic situation and implement appropriate measures when necessary. Subject to the prevailing crowd and traffic conditions in the areas, the Police may adjust the traffic arrangements. The public should pay attention to the latest traffic news through radio, television or the TD mobile application "HKeMobility".

Details of the special traffic and public transport arrangements will be uploaded to the TD website (www.td.gov.hk) and mobile application "HKeMobility". Members of the public may may also refer to the passenger notices displayed by the relevant public transport operators.

Source: AI-found images