A man has been arrested for a series of burglaries targeting restaurants and a bakery in Wong Tai Sin, with police revealing he allegedly exploited severe weather events like typhoons and rainstorms to commit the crimes.
The 41-year-old unemployed local suspect is accused of stealing approximately HK$80,000 in cash and items across three burglaries occurring between last September and July.
The investigation began on August 14 after a staff member at a Choi Hung restaurant reported that the padlock and chain on its main door had been damaged.
Police confirmed the theft of a safe containing cash, a cash box, and a computer, totaling a loss of around HK$25,000. Evidence indicated the cash register had also been rummaged through.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers recovered burglary tools. The stolen safe and cash box were later located and seized on Concorde Road.
A subsequent operation on Tuesday (Aug 19) led to the arrest and seizure of clothing worn during the offences. Police also recovered a portion of the stolen proceeds.
The investigation revealed that the arrestee specifically targeted shops with poor security, such as those protected only by padlocks or chain locks that could be easily pried open with tools.
Police further discovered he deliberately operated during late-night hours or severe weather, believing the conditions would reduce witnesses and hinder police response.
Police are urging businesses to upgrade their security systems by installing CCTV cameras, alarm-triggered sensors, or centrally monitored burglar alarms. Stores are also advised to avoid keeping large amounts of cash on the premises, especially when severe weather is forecast.
Police reiterated that burglary is a serious offence liable upon conviction to imprisonment for up to 14 years.
