A theft occurred recently at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, with three workers involved in reinforcement work arrested for suspected of stealing valuables from a unit. Mr. Chow Yat-ming, the Commissioner of Police, stated that security at Wang Fuk Court will be strengthened, including requiring workers to undergo body searches upon leaving.
Mr. Chow Yat-ming, the Commissioner of Police, Photo by Bastille Post
Mr. Chow stated that the police suspended all reinforcement work at Wang Fuk Court immediately after the theft. Following a review, four new security measures will be introduced. These include increased police patrols, requiring workers to store personal valuables—such as jewelry, watches, and cash—in lockers before heading upstairs, and limiting each worker to carrying no more than HKD $500 in cash on-site (mobile phones are permitted). Additionally, police will first document any visibly valuable items inside the units, and workers will be subject to body searches and metal detector checks upon exit. The reinforcement work is scheduled to resume on Monday (9th).
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Mr. Chow Yat-ming, the Commissioner of Police, Photo by Bastille Post
Mr. Chow Yat-ming, the Commissioner of Police, Photo by Bastille Post
Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Photo by Bastille Post
Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Photo by Bastille Post
Mr. Chow Yat-ming, the Commissioner of Police, Photo by Bastille Post
Mr. Chow noted that during previous work periods, police had registered workers' personal information—including ID card numbers and phone numbers—before officers escorted them to their work floors. Workers were also prohibited from carrying backpacks or bags upstairs. He added that only the three arrested workers have been implicated in the case so far, with no involvement of others found. As of 5 p.m. on March 7, police had received approximately 81 related reports, most of which expressed concerns from residents about unit security. Police will follow up on each report to determine whether theft was involved.
Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Photo by Bastille Post
Mr. Chow also stated receiving a report from a resident who suspected credit card theft. He urged residents worried about credit or bank cards left in their units to contact their banks immediately to report the loss and arrange for replacements. When asked whether the incident pointed to possible police negligence, Mr. Chow said an internal review would be conducted. If human error is identified, disciplinary action may follow.
Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Photo by Bastille Post
Three workers have been arrested on suspicion of theft while carrying out reinforcement work at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po.
Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Photo by Bastille Post
According to the Police, the suspects were assigned to carry out reinforcement work inside a residential unit at Wang Tai House, Wang Fuk Court. Officers discovered seven pieces of jewelry worth approximately HKD $90,000 in their possession and believe the items were stolen while the three men were working at the unit.
Mr. Chung Chi Keung, the Assistant District Commander (Crime) (Tai Po), Photo by Bastille Post
Mr. Chung Chi Keung, the Assistant District Commander (Crime) (Tai Po), said a series of works are currently underway at Wang Fuk Court, including the demolition of bamboo scaffolding. Reinforcement work is also being carried out in multiple units to ensure the structural safety of the buildings.
Mr. Chung said that at around 1:30 p.m. on March 5, officers on patrol observed three workers—surnamed Yu, 32; Wong, 38; and Cheung, 32—acting suspiciously while carrying out reinforcement work inside a unit at Wang Tai House. During a search, officers recovered seven pieces of jewelry valued at approximately HKD $90,000, which they suspect were stolen from the same unit. The three men were arrested at the scene on suspicion of theft and are currently being detained for questioning.
Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, Photo by Bastille Post
According to Mr. Chung, the Tai Po District Crime Squad is actively following up on the case. Police have contacted the unit owner, who confirmed that the recovered jewelry belonged to them. The Police believe the items—including gold necklaces and diamond rings—were taken from the bedroom. Although the jewelry showed signs of having been burned, the pieces remained identifiable.
The three suspects had been working in the unit in recent days. Two of them started on February 25, and the third joined on February 28. Police later inspected other units at Wang Fuk Court where the suspects had previously worked, but no further evidence was found.
The three workers were arrested at the scene on suspicion of theft and are currently being detained for questioning. Photo by Bastille Post
Mr. Chung added that all workers entering the Wang Fuk Court site must register with Police, present their ID, and specify the nature and location of their work. Officers would accompany workers in and out of the buildings and conduct searches upon their departure to check for suspicious items. The buildings are equipped with CCTV, and the doors are secured with chains each day after work ends. When asked whether others may have been involved, Mr. Chung stated that investigators currently believe the three suspects acted alone.
Mr. Chung noted that the Tai Po fire left many residents displaced and, in some cases, grieving the loss of loved ones. Since committing theft while working in a unit under such circumstances is a despicable act, Police strongly condemn such behavior.
Photo by Bastille Post
