Hong Kong police have broken up a syndicate led by a beautician that allegedly stole credit cards from patrons of a beauty salon in Mong Kok, causing losses of more than HK$410,000 (US$52,347).

The force said on Thursday that four men and two women, aged between 39 and 52, had been arrested over the past two days. One suspect was allegedly found with stolen credit cards in their possession at the time.

Between last December and April, police received reports from 19 residents who claimed their credit cards had been stolen and used for high-value transactions, said Superintendent Li Muk-yik of the New Territories South regional headquarters.

Investigations revealed that all of the victims had visited the same parlour in the Mong Kok district.

Li said customers at the beauty parlour often left their personal belongings nearby and became less vigilant during treatments.

The force believed a 39-year-old beautician was the mastermind behind the crimes.

“The beautician would take advantage of when patrons were lying down and relaxed with their eyes closed, to take their credit cards from their wallets,” Li said.