Theft on Flights to Hong Kong Soars by 164% in 2024
The number of thefts on board flights to Hong Kong has increased drastically by 164% in the first eight months of 2024, with a visitor from Switzerland losing a HK$4.16 million watch in the largest reported case.
The 132 thefts in the period have already exceeded the total number of cases on inbound flights in the entire previous year, prompting authorities to advise travelers to be vigilant with their possessions.
According to police reports, the most significant theft occurred on a Swiss International Air Lines flight on August 30, where a passenger had his luxury watch stolen from his backpack in the overhead compartment.
In total, 132 passengers have fallen victim to theft on flights to Hong Kong between January and August this year, compared to 50 individuals in the corresponding period in 2023.