Thieves launch daring 90-second smash-and-grab raid in one of Hong Kong’s busiest shopping districts, stealing HK$23.5 million in watches and jewellery
Police in citywide search for gang that targeted VIP Watch & Jewellery in Tsim Sha Tsui and put one employee in hospital
Hong Kong police were scouring the city on Sunday for a gang of thieves who launched a daring daylight raid on a jewellery store – getting away with more than HK$23.5 million (US$3 million) worth of valuables in less than 90 seconds.
The robbery at the VIP Watch & Jewellery store on Haiphong Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, happened at 10.45am as throngs of people went about their day in one of Hong Kong’s busiest shopping districts.
Three men wearing masks smashed open a glass display cabinet with a hammer and grabbed luxury watches in the hold-up. They were also armed with a knife and retractable baton.
A male employee suffered facial injuries after being beaten with the baton and was sent to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Yau Ma Tei for treatment.
Superintendent Wong Chi-wai said the thieves had escaped with a haul of at least 34 Swiss-made luxury watches and 39 American-made bracelets, with a total estimated value of HK$23.5 million.