Police smash burglary ring run by mainland couple; 6 arrested

Police have dismantled a burglary ring where a mainland couple employed illegal immigrants to break into homes, arresting six people.

They are linked to 25 burglary cases over the past two months, involving a total loss of over 3.69 million dollars.

Police seized multiple luxury watches and designer handbags during the operation.

Police earlier identified a burglary syndicate active in areas such as Yuen Long, Tuen Mun, and Aberdeen.

After reviewing extensive surveillance footage, officers locked down the activity routes and hiding places of the syndicate members. An operation was launched early Friday morning, arresting five men and one woman aged between 31 and 45.

Police say the syndicate had a clear division of labor: the masterminds arranged for mainland men to enter Hong Kong illegally, settle down and recruit drivers for transport.

The two masterminds are a couple holding two-way permits, a local man served as the driver and three illegal immigrants were responsible for carrying out the burglaries.

The largest single case amounting to 600,000 dollars at a residential unit in Aberdeen.

Most of the cases occurred while residents were out for meals or travelling with some residents forgetting to lock their doors and windows securely.

Police appealed to the public, noting that thieves take the path of least resistance. Citizens should lock their doors and windows when going out, avoid keeping valuables at home, and consider installing anti-theft systems and high-quality CCTV systems.

Police do not rule out further arrests, reiterating that burglary is a serious criminal offense punishable by up to 14 years' imprisonment upon conviction.