Police arrest two over industrial burglary spree
HK01 · 4 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago7 MIN
Summary
Police in Hong Kong have arrested two men suspected of carrying out a series of burglaries at industrial building units and secluded warehouses in Yuen Long, Tai Po and Kwai Chung. Investigators said the cases involved 10 premises, total losses of about HK$280,000, and a group that had been active for at least two months before the arrests in Kwai Chung on September 8.
Key Points
- New Territories North regional crime officers said the suspected burglary group targeted industrial units and remote warehouses in Yuen Long, Tai Po and Kwai Chung at night.
- Police said 10 premises were hit, with total losses of about HK$280,000 and the biggest single case involving about HK$120,000.
- After reviewing extensive CCTV footage, including cameras installed under the Sharp Eye scheme, officers identified two men holding two-way permits who had been active for at least two months
- The two suspects were arrested in the Wah Sing Street area of Kwai Chung on September 8 on suspicion of burglary and going equipped for stealing.
- Officers seized suspected burglary tools including a metal pry tool, torch, scissors, gloves and clothing believed to have been worn during earlier offences.
- Senior Inspector Wong Ching-yi (王靜怡) of New Territories North Regional Crime Unit Team 2 said preliminary inquiries suggested the two men entered Hong Kong on two-way permits and committed offences on the same night, mainly targeting industrial buildings and warehouses. Police said one suspect was believed to scout premises while the other kept watch nearby before both entered to search for valuables. Investigators said the pair usually returned to the mainland shortly after the offences, and police believed they were preparing to strike again when they were arrested with tools on them in Kwai Chung
- Police said the operation had so far solved six burglary cases involving industrial units and warehouses. The force said burglars tend to choose easier targets and urged occupiers, especially at premises near hillsides or in isolated areas, to lock doors and windows, avoid storing large amounts of cash or valuables, and consider reinforcing entry points and installing quality alarm and CCTV systems. Police also reiterated that burglary and going equipped for stealing are serious offences punishable by up to 14 years' imprisonment and three years' imprisonment respectively upon conviction.
Why It Matters
For operators of industrial units and storage sites, the case points to a continuing risk at premises that are quiet after dark and away from residential areas. The arrests may ease immediate concerns, but police warnings suggest building security and after-hours precautions remain central to preventing similar break-ins.