No evidence of theft in Tai Po fire after 42 reports, police say
發佈日期: 2026-04-25 20:05
TVB News
Police Commissioner Joe Chow said the force received 42 reports requesting help this week from Wang Fuk Court residents who returned to their units to recover belongings.
The government has set up enquiry centres for Wang Fuk Court residents, who could also report suspected cases of theft on site.
Multiple residents have reported missing items, such as watches and jewellery.
Police Commissioner Joe Chow said a dedicated team has been assigned to investigate the cases.
Some items were recovered on the spot.
He said that since many units were burned to ashes, some items may not be recoverable, and some residents are unsure about what they had or where items were placed.
The police chief said initial findings do not indicate theft.
Meanwhile, the independent committee of inquiry's hearing has revealed that the 999 emergency lines were busy on the day of the blaze.
And some calls had not been transferred to the Fire Services Department.
Chow said police received 4,144 calls for assistance that day, about 35 percent more than the previous week.
Declining to comment on individual cases from the hearing, Chow said police have reviewed the system with the fire services.
He admitted that in some situations, calls could not be immediately transferred to the fire services, and officers had to gather basic information and help calm callers.
He said authorities aim to step up coordination with fire services in the future.
Chow noted Secretary for Security Chris Tang had earlier pledged to increase fire services hotline capacity in the short term, and police will conduct further reviews.
