2 arrested over in-flight watch theft; woman held for carrying suspected pepper spray at airport

A male passenger had his watch valued at 300,000 dollars stolen aboard a flight from Abu Dhabi to Hong Kong yesterday.

The watch was reportedly placed in the man's backpack in the overhead compartment above the victim's seat.

A 40-year-old local woman and a 32-year-old mainland man were arrested on suspicion of theft.

In a separate case on the same day, a 69-year-old local woman set to depart for the United States was suspected of carrying a canister of pepper spray in her hand luggage during departure screening.

The woman was arrested on suspicion of violating the Firearms and Ammunition Ordinance.

Both cases have been taken over by the Airport District Crime Squad for follow-up investigation.

With more in-flight theft detected, police remind passengers to remain vigilant while on board aircraft, and to exercise extra caution when leaving their seats.