Hong Kong police arrest man over theft of HK$4,300 on board flight from Malaysia

Police have arrested a 49-year-old man from mainland China on suspicion of stealing more than HK$4,300 from two passengers during a flight from Malaysia to Hong Kong, as the city grapples with a rise in such thefts.

The force said on Friday it received a report the day before that HK$3,500 and S$150 (HK$882) was taken from luggage belonging to two passengers.

After a preliminary investigation, officers arrested the man, who was carrying a mainland passport, for suspected theft.

He was being detained and the case is being handled by the airport police station.

“Police urge passengers to remain vigilant at all times in the cabin, lock and keep their carry-on luggage properly, and be especially careful when leaving their seats,” the force said.

“They must carry their cash and valuables with them or leave them with relatives and friends travelling with them for safekeeping.”