Red ribbon discovery leads Hong Kong police to believe burglars guided to wealthy homes in Sai Kung
- Red ribbons have been found tied to three tree branches in Sai Kung to create a route
- ‘The ribbons served as markers to guide intruders from the hillside into nearby residential estates for burglary,’ insider says
Hong Kong police have discovered multiple ribbons believed to be used as markers to direct burglars to theft targets in Sai Kung, amid a 47 per cent increase in break-ins.
The force on Tuesday said the ribbons were found during a police patrol on the hillsides above Pik Shui Sun Tsuen off Hiram’s Highway and the Chuk Kok area of Sai Kung the previous day.
A source familiar with the police operation said red ribbons found tied to tree branches in the woods were used to create a route that was not an established hiking trail or walking path.
He said he believed criminals left those ribbons as markers to identify potential target residences.
“The ribbons served as markers to guide intruders from the hillside into nearby residential estates for burglary,” the insider said.
Upscale houses in the two locations had been targeted by burglars earlier this year, he said, adding that intruders usually struck at night or waited on the hillside until occupants had left home.
Officers on Monday removed the ribbons as part of the rural patrol unit’s efforts to combat burglaries in the district.