According to officials at the scene, a carton containing five of the eight intended pieces was delivered to the venue earlier in the day. The carton subsequently disappeared, prompting a report from the festival organizers. An officer from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) stated that police are coordinating with City Hall management to review CCTV footage to trace the missing items. The investigation is currently focused on determining how the carton left the premises and identifying potential suspects.
Artist Keith Lam Yan-kit expressed dismay at the incident, noting that the social media-inspired styrofoam sculptures are unlikely to fetch significant value on the black market. The works are part of a larger artistic statement for the festival, which was scheduled to open immediately after the theft was discovered. The loss of five of the eight pieces disrupts the planned display, raising questions about security protocols at the venue during the pre-exhibition setup phase.
The incident has drawn attention to the handling of temporary art installations in public spaces in Central. With the exhibition opening imminent, the rapid response by the Central district crime investigation team highlights the logistical challenges of securing high-profile cultural events. Police have not yet released further details on the circumstances of the theft or the identity of the individuals responsible. The review of surveillance footage is the primary investigative step currently underway to locate the recovered works or apprehend the perpetrators.
The Microwave International New Media Arts Festival 2026 continues its schedule, with the remaining three pieces of the installation presumably still at the venue. Authorities have not confirmed whether the exhibition opening proceeded as planned or if adjustments were made to accommodate the missing artworks. The case remains open, with officers continuing their efforts to trace the missing carton and its contents. No arrests have been reported as of the latest updates from the Criminal Investigation Department.
