Hong Kong police arrest 2 over stolen airport luggage with valuables worth HK$1.1 million
- Two travellers, man and woman, both 23, suspected of theft when entering city multiple times between February and June
Hong Kong police have arrested two travellers from overseas suspected of stealing three suitcases carrying more than HK$1.1 million (US$140,800) in valuables at the airport’s arrival hall.
The force said on Monday that the three suitcases were reported stolen at the airport’s baggage collection area, after the owners were unable to find the luggage upon their arrival in February and early this month.
Acting chief inspector Leung Hiu-man of the airport police district said investigations showed the two suspects – a man and a woman – both aged 23 had entered the city multiple times between February and June.
“We are still investigating if the pair are linked with other cases,” Leung said.
Police began an investigation after two residents, who returned from overseas on June 4, filed a report saying they failed to retrieve their luggage at the baggage collection area.
The acting chief inspector said officers used surveillance camera footage to identify the two alleged thieves.
“The investigation revealed the two suspects arrived in the city, wandered around the baggage claim area, and randomly stole suitcases belonging to other travellers,” Leung said.
On Saturday, police arrested the pair and recovered some stolen items in a series of raids. During the operation, officers also seized some receipts and mailing orders.
Leung said the investigation suggested the pair were linked to another case that occurred on February 27.
She said the three suitcases carried more than HK$1.1 million in valuables, such as jewellery and clothing from designer labels.
Superintendent Sum Ching-fun, deputy airport commander, said she believed the two suspects stole luggage to make a profit from the valuables stored.
Sum also urged other victims or anyone with information to contact officers on 3661 2036.
As of Monday afternoon, the two arrestees were still being detained on suspicion of theft – an offence punishable by up to 10 years in jail.
Police handled 5,830 reports of different types of theft in the first three months of 2024, an increase of 9.2 per cent from 5,340 cases logged in the same period last year.
