The Hong Kong police are taking action to crack down on burglaries in a 4-day multi-force operation on Hong Kong Island. This operation involves the use of drones, night patrols, and marine officers to help prevent burglaries, especially during the summer when residents may be away on holiday.
The police force announced that a government helicopter and police drones will be conducting aerial surveillance until Sunday. Additionally, the marine police will be conducting nighttime patrols in the city’s southern waters. Uniformed and plain clothes officers will also be carrying out high-profile patrols and searches in the countryside of the Mid-Levels area as well as the hillsides and woods near housing estates in the Southern district.
Roadblocks will be strategically set up at different locations during different times to intercept suspicious vehicles or individuals. This operation began on Thursday and is part of the police’s efforts to increase patrols during the summer, as burglary cases tend to rise during long holiday periods. Residents are reminded to properly secure their homes before leaving the city or heading out, and to avoid leaving valuables and large sums of money in their flats.
The police force will continue to maintain close communication with the community, undertake intelligence-led and strategic deployments, and conduct high-profile patrols at irregular times to combat theft. This operation comes after the arrest of a male visitor from mainland China in connection with four reports of burglaries, where HK$80,000 in cash and valuables were stolen.
In a separate incident, officers responded to a burglary at an upscale house on Mount Kellett Road on The Peak, where a window was broken and signs of ransacking were found in the master bedroom. It is important for residents to be vigilant and take necessary precautions to protect their homes and belongings.
Reports show an increase in burglary cases in the city, with 604 cases reported in the first five months of this year, a 37.3% increase from the same period last year. Additionally, there has been a 9.4% rise in violent crime cases compared to last year. To address these issues, authorities have installed surveillance cameras in high-crime areas like Mong Kok, with plans to set up 2,000 cameras by the end of 2024.
The police force is committed to ensuring the safety and security of residents in Hong Kong by taking proactive measures to prevent crime and maintain law and order in the city. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activities and cooperate with law enforcement to create a safer community for everyone.