Armed Robbers Steal Toilet Paper in Hong Kong

Coronavirus outbreak has caused panic buying
By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff
Posted Feb 17, 2020 5:25 AM CST
Knife-Wielding Gang Steals Toilet Paper in Hong Kong
People wearing masks walk past stacks of toilet paper in front of a store in Hong Kong, Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020.   (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Criminals in Hong Kong have plumbed new depths amid the coronavirus outbreak and the associated panic-buying. Police say three masked men armed with knives threatened a deliveryman before stealing around 600 rolls of toilet paper from outside a supermarket early Monday, the South China Morning Post reports. Shortages—and rumors of impending shortages—have caused people to stock up on items including toilet paper, face masks, and hand sanitizers, as well as staples like rice and pasta. Police say two suspects were arrested later Monday and some of the stolen toilet paper was recovered, the BBC reports. "This is a senseless act and we are shocked," says a spokesperson for the Wellcome supermarket chain. (More Hong Kong stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X