A spate of audacious break-ins and smash-and-grab raids at luxury premises is threatening to dim Hong Kong’s well-earned reputation as a beacon of low crime. Although the city is still hailed among the safest in the world, a five percent increase in the number of crimes recorded last year has put the spotlight on beefing up security for homes, stores and businesses.

A daring early-morning robbery at Ginza Xiaoma in Central sent shockwaves through Hong Kong last November. After smashing into the premises, thieves took just a few minutes to grab more than 60 Hermes handbags from the 17th-floor retail outlet, having seemingly waltzed past building security. In an earlier frightening raid at an Emperor Watch & Jewellery store in Tsim Sha Tsui, knife-wielding intruders confronted staff and swiped a HK$22 million jade necklace.

Just last month two tailor shops in Tsim Sha Tsui were burgled, with a reported HK$3 million in cash and gold snatched. The thief reportedly forced the door open in the first shop, then stole the key to enter the owner’s neighbouring store.

Deluxe residences have also been targeted in Sai Kung and elsewhere in the New Territories – possibly because they are seen as relatively easy pickings. Public figures are not immune from burglaries, either. The home of former Hong Kong police chief Andy Tsang was broken into while he and his family were away, and the mansion of tycoon Cecil Chao has been targeted twice, with millions in cash and valuables taken.

Extra Vigilance

While stressing that Hong Kong is still a relatively safe city, Parth Shah, CEO of jade atelier Fyoro, admits: “Recent events do make us think more about safety and being more vigilant. One does need to be more aware and have colleagues trained for any incidents.” He adds: “Stores on the retail level or the ground floor tend to be slightly more vulnerable.”

Fyoro is on a higher floor in a secured building. “We have a full security system, including safe vaults that are strong,” says Shah, noting that heavy doors, vaults and enforced walls are all essential in his business.

Since insider information is often used to breach security during robberies, he advocates diligence when hiring staff, providing proper training, and limiting access to valuables to only a few highly trusted individuals. Having advance knowledge of the security systems in place, as well as scouting the area and observing staff routines are typical modus operandi for thieves.

Higher Insurance

Insurance is a concern for those owning high-value businesses, and Shah indicates that premiums and deductibles have increased. “We have taken on higher insurance measures, and the compliance and paperwork required for this is much more stringent [than before],” he notes. “Also, it is essential that one ensures that the outsourced systems and inhouse security systems are combined to be compliant with insurance requirements.”

As a provider of precious jadeite jewellery and luxury gifts, Fyoro operates on an appointment-based model. “This means we have relative control over foot flow,” says Shah. Higher-value items receive increased security provision: “We have differentiated methods of storing and layering in security, depending on the value. We also have additional in-office security features. We have a checklist and system of how goods are stored every day.

“Anyone [viewing] goods in our office would have at least two cameras watching [them], in addition to further security layers. But we have to keep it discreet.” 

Safe and Secure

Ramped-up security can still be aesthetically pleasing, according to Kevin Man of Manton Security. For instance, Man notes that today’s sophisticated security features can seamlessly match the architectural heritage of the building. Munitus, a purveyor of bespoke security doors and windows, tailors security levels according to clients’ needs – bullet-proofing is available. US company Brown Safe specialises in luxury home and jewellery safes that can not only ably withstand severe attack – some were designed for the military – but also come with exotic interiors.

“We also do strong rooms for clients – these are like panic rooms and can also act as a safe,” says Man. “They have nice finishing inside and can come with a hidden door, meaning people don’t realise [they are installed].”

Automated Protection

Given the increasingly sophisticated technology used by bad actors to bypass protections, Shah outsources this aspect of his company’s security to a specialised firm. “The main vulnerabilities in terms of software would be from their end,” he says. 

Artificial intelligence can also be used to assess potential risks with clients, alert owners of red flags, and integrate with the police or the authorities. “But AI software would need to be matched with hardware that is also strong and evolving,” he advises. 

ImageDeep founder Niall Dorr, who has been providing automated security solutions for 20 years, advocates AI-driven security systems that offer 24/7 vigilance without human vulnerabilities. For instance, equipping luxury homes with AI cameras and perimeter sensors, and watermarking art and jewellery collections. “If intruders attempt a quick getaway, our system issues audio warnings and notifies police within seconds, while watermarking ensures recovered items are returned,” he says.

An AI-driven anomaly detection system should also pick up on pre-raid reconnaissance via drones or loitering, and will counter signal mimicry with encrypted access controls.

For jewellery stores, Hong Kong-headquartered ImageDeep can install smoke screens to disorientate thieves and prevent theft; implement biometric access for storerooms; and provide inventory tracking to prevent smash-and-grab raids or internal theft. “Our systems have protected high-value retail, reduced risks and secured insurance benefits,” says Dorr.

Reducing Shrinkage

He suggests firms employ technological solutions to combat the problem of internal theft, also known as shrinkage. “Use biometric authentication – fingerprint or facial recognition – and encrypted key-card systems to restrict access to areas storing valuables, such as safes, storerooms or display cases,” he explains. “Our AI surveillance tracks access in real time, logging entries with video evidence to ensure accountability. In Hong Kong’s luxury market, where items have high-unit values, even small losses can result in substantial financial impact.”

He also warns that poor tracking can lead to losses, especially for businesses with large inventories of luxury goods, like car dealerships or jewellery retailers. Implementing IoT-enabled inventory tracking with RFID (radiofrequency identification) tags and cloud-based analytics to monitor valuables from production to sale or storage is recommended. “This ensures real-time visibility, prevents accidental losses, and flags discrepancies instantly, reducing shrinkage,” he says.

Watermarking Deterrent

Invisible, non-obtrusive watermarking of high-value items like jewellery, watches or even vehicle components will aid traceability, which is critical for recovery and deterrence. “Our invisible watermarking embeds unique codes on luxury goods, ensuring 100 percent accuracy in tracing stolen items back to the owner or store,” says Dorr.

This can be backed by prominent signage to deter potential thieves, informing them that stolen goods can be traced and their risk of conviction is increased. “This is especially effective for both home collections and retail inventory,” he notes.

Asleep on the Job?

According to Dorr, relying solely on security personnel to protect high-value assets is unwise due to human limitations such as fatigue, bribery or intimidation. Given Hong Kong’s current shortage of security guards, he also argues that installing around-the-clock remote monitoring by AI comes at a lower cost.

“Our systems, including drones for large properties or construction sites, cover remote areas and are immune to tampering or threats,” he says. “A luxury home or dealership can be secured over a weekend without entrusting your millions to a single guard.”