Hong Kong police boost checks at Tai Po fire block after jewellery theft arrests

Hong Kong Police will impose a HK$500 (US$63) cash limit on construction workers and conduct searches using metal detectors under new security measures at Wang Fuk Court, after three labourers were arrested on suspicion of stealing jewellery while carrying out structural reinforcement work at the blaze-hit Tai Po estate.Police Commissioner Joe Chow Yat-ming revealed on Sunday that reinforcement work at the estate, which had been temporarily suspended following the incident, would resume on Monday following a review of existing safeguards.“We have reviewed the security arrangements and will introduce additional measures to strengthen protection for residents’ property,” he said.Chow added that police would increase manpower at Wang Fuk Court and introduce stricter controls over workers entering damaged buildings.Authorities earlier said on Friday that three construction workers were arrested on suspicion of stealing HK$90,000 worth of gold jewellery from a flat at Wang Fuk Court, where they were carrying out structural reinforcement in the aftermath of the deadly fire last November.Under the enhanced protocol, workers will be required to store their personal belongings, including mobile phones, in lockers before entering the buildings and will not be allowed to carry more than HK$500 in cash onto the site.