Hong Kong police boost checks at Tai Po fire block after jewellery theft arrests
New security measures ban phones and limit cash after workers stole HK$90,000 in jewellery from fire-damaged estate.
Hong Kong police have rolled out stringent new security measures at the fire-damaged Wang Fuk Court estate in Tai Po, following a theft scandal that halted critical reinforcement work. The action comes after three construction labourers were arrested on suspicion of stealing HK$90,000 (approximately US$11,500) worth of gold jewellery from a resident's flat while they were on site for structural repairs. The November blaze had already devastated the community, making this theft a severe breach of trust during recovery efforts.
Police Commissioner Joe Chow Yat-ming announced the enhanced protocol, which mandates that all workers must store personal belongings—including mobile phones—in secured lockers before entering the buildings. Furthermore, they cannot carry more than HK$500 (about US$63) in cash onto the worksite. Police will increase manpower at the location and conduct searches using metal detectors to enforce these rules. The goal is to restore security confidence so that the temporarily suspended reinforcement work, essential for resident safety, can resume without further incidents.
- Three construction workers arrested for stealing HK$90,000 in gold jewellery from a fire-damaged flat.
- New rules impose a strict HK$500 cash limit and require workers to lock away mobile phones before entry.
- Police to increase patrols and use metal detectors, allowing vital structural work to restart safely.
Why It Matters
The incident highlights critical vulnerabilities in securing disaster recovery sites and erodes trust in essential services during community crises.