Police have arrested six people aged between 31 and 45 over 25 reported burglaries across Hong Kong between August and October, with losses exceeding HK$3.69 million.
The arrests were made on 2 October. Of the reported cases, 23 involved village houses or similar detached homes, while two involved residential units in Aberdeen. Police said the group focused on secluded village-house properties near hills where security was weak, often striking while residents were out for an evening meal or away on holiday.
Police said the suspects used burglary tools to force doors and windows, although some properties were entered through unlocked openings. They mainly sought portable valuables, including gold ornaments, jewellery and cash. The largest single reported loss was about HK$600,000 in one Aberdeen residential burglary.
The arrested group included a couple holding two-way permits, three mainland men whom police said had entered Hong Kong illegally, and a local male driver. Police described the couple as the alleged organisers and said they had arranged the illegal entry of members of the Wei family gang.
The couple recruited the driver for HK$500 per trip and the group used a tin structure in Lok Ma Chau as a hiding place. The reported cases stretched across Yuen Long, Tuen Mun, Tai Po, Sai Kung, Ma On Shan and Aberdeen.
During the operation, police recovered some cash, watches and jewellery, together with suspected burglary tools.