Police said on Saturday that more than 40 reports have been lodged regarding missing property in the first five days that displaced residents of Wang Fuk Court were allowed to return to their homes to salvage what they could.

Since Monday, residents were allowed to visit their former residences in batches for the first time since seven out of the estate's eight blocks were ravaged by a fast-spreading fire in October.

Throughout the five days, former residents of Wang Sun, Wang Cheong and Wang Yan houses were allowed to go home to around 460 units.

Police Commissioner Joe Chow said there are no indications of theft among the cases for the time being.

"Some units had been ravaged by the fire and belongings turned to ashes, so the items may never be found," he said.

"Some items were actually recovered immediately or were found after we helped with a follow-up search.

"There are also some cases where residents were not quite sure where the item was located originally, or whether it was ever in the unit in the first place."

Chow said the force has established a dedicated team to investigate such cases and that it will continue to monitor the situation.

Back in March, three renovation workers were arrested for allegedly stealing jewellery from a unit at the estate.



Edited by Thomas McAlinden