Police arrest six over 25 burglary cases
HK01 · 7 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago5 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong police said they had broken up a burglary syndicate believed to be connected to 25 cases across Yuen Long, Tuen Mun, Tai Po, Sai Kung, Ma On Shan and Aberdeen between August and October. The six arrested include a mainland husband and wife holding two-way permits, three mainland men suspected of carrying out the break-ins after entering Hong Kong illegally, and a local driver. Police said the cases involved losses of more than HK$3.69 million, with the largest single case in Aberdeen involving about HK$600,000 in property. Officers also recovered more than HK$600,000 in suspected stolen goods and seized burglary tools and a vehicle allegedly used in the operation.
Key Points
- Acting Chief Inspector Ng Sze-hin (吳斯軒) of the New Territories North regional crime unit said the syndicate had a clear division of labour and became active in late August.
- Police said 23 of the 25 cases involved village houses or nearby detached homes, while the remaining two were residential units in Aberdeen.
- Investigators said the burglars targeted secluded homes near hillsides with weaker security, usually striking at dinner time by forcing doors or windows or entering through unlocked ones.
- The six suspects, aged 31 to 45, were arrested on October 2 on allegations including burglary, conspiracy to burgle, and offences linked to illegal entry arrangements.
- Police said they traced the group through extensive CCTV analysis, including footage from the Sharp Eye scheme, and found a hideout in Lok Ma Chau.
Why It Matters
The case points to continuing risks for residents in outlying village housing, especially during holiday periods or evening meal times when homes may be left unattended. It also underlines police concern about cross-border, organised burglary operations that combine illegal entry, transport support and disposal of stolen property.