3 workers arrested over theft at Tai Po fire block, HK$90,000 in jewellery seized

The government said on Friday night that it would review measures to strengthen the protection of residents’ property, hours after angry fire victims demanded it step up security at the site and allow them to return home sooner to collect their belongings.

Brian Chung Chi-keung, an assistant commander of Tai Po district, said police arrested the three labourers, aged 32 to 38, on suspicion of theft while they were performing structural reinforcement work inside a flat at Wang Tai House at about 1.30pm on Thursday.

“During the investigation, police found seven pieces of jewellery worth about HK$90,000 on their persons,” he said. “Police believe that the three men had stolen the items from the unit they were responsible for performing structural reinforcement work in.”

Chung added the force had already contacted the flat’s owner, who confirmed the items were his. Officers also inspected other flats in which the three men had worked, but no additional suspicious discoveries were made, he added.

“The fire at Wang Fuk Court caused many to lose their homes and even their loved ones,” he said. “In this case, the three arrested individuals entered the units to carry out work, only to take advantage of the situation to commit a crime. This behaviour is despicable and the police strongly condemn the actions.”