The news came as the police force said they have noticed begging activities on the streets of Hong Kong on the rise after the border between the city and the mainland fully reopened in February.

The force said they have stepped up patrols and enforcement actions with officers of the Immigration Department at begging black spots in the territory to address the problem early on.

The force also said they will monitor closely the situation and refer cases to the Social Welfare Department for follow-up actions.

Meanwhile, local law enforcement agencies will maintain close liaison with mainland counterparts in the exchange of relevant intelligence and trends to tackle the problem at its roots, the force added.

Police warned that under the Summary Offences Ordinance, any person who places themselves in any public place, street, or waterway to beg or gather alms commits an offense and is liable on conviction to a fine of HK$500 and up to 12 months imprisonment.