Suspected burglar found unconscious on private pier dies from head injury

A 37-year-old man, suspected to be a burglar, was discovered unconscious on a private pier on Lantau Island. He was rushed to St John Hospital on Cheung Chau but was later pronounced dead.

The cause of his fatal head injury remains unclear, with possibilities including a fall from heights or a blow from a blunt object, according to the police.

The incident came to the attention of the police when pedestrians reported finding the man lying unconscious on a mattress at the private pier of Sea Ranch, a luxury beach retreat estate in Chi Ma Wan, located in the southern part of Lantau Island.

The man, identified as Long, held a two-way permit and came from the mainland, said police.

Following his death, the police received two reports of home burglaries in separate flats within Sea Ranch. The residents of the flats reported that valuable items had been stolen after their homes were broken into.

One resident, a 50-year-old woman, said her home's window was broken, alongside the loss of some HK$3,000 in cash and a debit card. The estate's staff also contacted the police after discovering that two packs of cigarettes, valued at around HK$2,000, had gone missing from their office.

Signs of a break-in were also found on the door of another office in the housing estate, although no property loss was reported.

Upon reviewing surveillance camera footage, police believe at least two men were involved in the three burglary cases. It was noted that one of the individuals wore a similar outfit to Long.

As of 5pm yesterday, police were still conducting investigations within Sea Ranch, as well as the scene where Long was found to be cordoned off. Residents were prohibited from leaving the private housing estate while the investigation was ongoing.

A resident told newsmen that several flats in Blocks Eight and Nine of the luxury residential estate have been rented by a Sichuan-based company to accommodate construction workers who are involved in building the Shek Kwu Chau incinerator plant. This plant is located on an island just off Chi Ma Wan.

"The initial group of foreign workers followed the rules when they moved in some three years ago. However, since around mid-June last year, their numbers have increased, and we have noticed signs of attempted break-ins on our doors and windows," the resident said.

The workers have caused damage to the pier, the resident added, but they have not taken responsibility for it. This has raised concerns about the stability of the pier, as its condition is now uncertain.

Another resident reported that the break-ins occurred in two flats located in Blocks Three and Four. Also, they heard arguments near Block Nine on the evening of April 30th.

The incident has left residents shocked and feeling that the workers have disrupted the peacefulness of Sea Ranch. Some have even considered moving out to Hong Kong Island as a result.

Sea Ranch, a 200-unit luxury resort, was established in 1979. Due to its remote location, the self-contained estate in Chi Ma Wan is often referred to as an "isolated island."

Access to the estate is limited to either a 15-minute ferry ride from Cheung Chau or a two-hour hike from Pui O.

In March, a burglary occurred at a construction site within Sea Ranch. Workers discovered broken drawers and a stolen safe in the office, with about HK$700,000 in cash missing.