Burglar flees after safe break-in attempt at Sham Shui Po restaurant

A burglar attempted to break into a safe at a Hakka restaurant in Sham Shui Po early Wednesday (Mar 11) but fled empty-handed after being discovered by a staff member.

Police received a report at around 7am from a restaurant at 220 Tai Po Road after a dim sum chef heard suspicious noises from the dining area while preparing for the day’s opening.

When he went out to check, he found that a burglar had entered the premises and was trying to pry open the safe at the cashier counter.

Sources said the restaurant’s roller shutter was half open at the time. The suspect allegedly grabbed a round stool from inside the restaurant and snapped off one of its legs, apparently using it to try to force open the safe.

The attempt failed and the suspect fled after the chef noticed the disturbance.

Police later recovered the stool nearby and cordoned off the scene for investigation.

Preliminary estimates showed that a lock was damaged and a printer and two walkie-talkies were stolen, with total losses valued at about HK$5,500.

No arrests have been made.