Police received a report on November 5th regarding the theft of electrical wires in the stairwell of Huafeng Building at 13 to 15 Jorah Street, Yau Ma Tei. After intelligence analysis and a thorough investigation, Yau Ma Tei district anti-terror squad arrested two non-resident men, aged 38 and 54, at the location on the 8th. Both suspects are facing charges of theft and are being questioned. It was reported that the 38-year-old man is from Gambia, and the 54-year-old man is from Nigeria. The 54-year-old suspect is also under suspicion for being involved in three additional similar cases at the same building. The four cases involved a total of approximately 50 meters of electrical wires and a copper plate measuring about 2 meters in length, with an estimated total loss of 43,000 Hong Kong dollars. The police have recovered a copper plate worth about 40,000 Hong Kong dollars. The case is being handled by the First Criminal Investigation Squad of Yau Tsim Mong Police Area.
The incident highlights a recent trend of wire theft in Hong Kong, particularly in older buildings. Electrical wiring theft has become a rising concern as copper prices have been increasing globally, motivating more thefts. Police are urging residents and property managers to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities. The recovery of these stolen items indicates the effectiveness of ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat such crimes in the area.
The two suspects held no permanent residence rights but were found in possession of short-term permits to remain in Hong Kong. Their circumstances underscore the complex migration and visa challenges faced by non-residents in the city. The ongoing investigation suggests a potential organized effort behind these thefts, prompting further scrutiny into similar incidents across Hong Kong.