Police smash burglary ring that recruited illegal immigrants for 25 break-ins

Hong Kong police have busted a burglary syndicate that recruited illegal immigrants and is believed to be behind at least 25 break-ins across the city in recent weeks, with stolen cash and valuables exceeding HK$3.6 million (US$458,773).

Six people aged 31 to 45 – five mainlanders and a local resident – were arrested in a Friday operation following a review of surveillance footage, police said.

Three of the mainland suspects, all men, were illegal immigrants. Another two – a couple – are believed to be the masterminds, who entered Hong Kong on two-way permits, travel documents issued by Beijing authorities for visits to the city or Macau.

A local man arrested in the operation acted as the group’s driver.

Acting chief inspector Ng See-hin, of the New Territories North Regional Crime Unit, said the syndicate had been active since late August, adding that it was allegedly linked to at least 25 burglaries at village houses and upscale homes in Yuen Long, Tuen Mun, Sheung Shui, Tai Po, Sai Kung, Ma On Shan and Aberdeen.

Ng said the group took advantage of recent long holidays and major festivals, when many residents were overseas or dining out.

“They have a clear division of labour,” he said. “The masterminds arranged for the mainland men to enter Hong Kong illegally and recruited a driver to transport them between target areas and their hideout.”

“They mainly target houses with lax security in quiet and secluded locations. They would pry open doors and windows while the owners were out dining or on holiday, or enter through unlocked doors and windows to steal gold jewellery, cash, watches and other valuables,” Ng added.

The total reported loss exceeded HK$3.6 million, with the largest single loss of about HK$600,000 at a property in Aberdeen.

“Some of the stolen property was recovered, including cash, jewellery and handbags. The total value is about HK$600,000,” he added, stressing that the force believed it had smashed the syndicate.

The six were still being detained for questioning on Saturday afternoon, according to Ng.

Ng also urged flat owners to remain vigilant and take simple precautions, such as locking windows and doors before leaving home.

“Most burglaries are opportunistic in nature. Burglars take immediate advantage of what they perceive to be lax security,” Ng said. “The public should avoid keeping too many valuables or large amounts of cash at home.”

Under the Theft Ordinance, the maximum penalty for burglary in Hong Kong is 14 years’ imprisonment.