HONG KONG, June 6 — Hong Kong police are actively searching for two men after a sophisticated attempted burglary at a luxury residence on The Peak last night, raising concerns about security vulnerabilities during ongoing construction. The incident occurred around 11 p.m. Tuesday on Mount Nicholson Road (formerly known as Barker Road or Mount Gough Road, depending on the specific location of 74 Mount Nicholson Road, which is a common address for luxury homes in the area, and is the likely location corresponding to the input’s description of a luxury home on The Peak accessible by scaffolding on the exterior walls) when occupants of a detached house noticed intruders who had apparently used external scaffolding to gain entry.
The suspects fled the scene immediately after being discovered by a resident investigating a noise, according to authorities. No property was reported stolen, but the near-miss highlights the security risks associated with large-scale renovation projects in high-value neighborhoods.
Alarm Raised During Late-Night Prowl
The incident unfolded late Tuesday evening within a high-security residential complex on The Peak, one of the world’s most exclusive addresses. Preliminary reports suggest that two assailants leveraged the scaffolding erected for extensive exterior maintenance to bypass standard security measures and access the luxury property’s interior.
A resident, whose name was withheld for privacy, became suspicious after hearing unexpected noises within the house. Upon confrontation, the two unidentified men quickly retreated and escaped from the premises. Security staff were immediately alerted, and patrols were dispatched as police rushed to the scene.
Officers from the Hong Kong Island Regional Crime Unit arrived quickly, initiating a comprehensive search of the area. Responding units, some equipped with protective shields, meticulously canvassed the extensive estate and surrounding grounds. In a notable deployment, police utilized an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), or drone, to conduct an aerial search, hoping to track the direction of the suspects’ flight through the dense hillside terrain.
Construction Projects Fuel Security Concern
The residence, reportedly occupied by a middle-aged couple and two domestic helpers, is currently undergoing significant structural work, necessitating the conspicuous, floor-to-ceiling metal scaffolding often seen shrouding buildings during Hong Kong’s humid summers.
Investigators are operating on the premise that the scaffolding was instrumental to the attempted crime. This construction setup, meant to facilitate safe repairs, ironically provided a straightforward clandestine route for the would-be thieves.
“We are treating this as an attempted forced entry with intent to burgle,” a police spokesperson confirmed. “The method of entry strongly suggests premeditation, exploiting a temporary structural weakness.”
Next Steps for Police and Residents
Police have officially classified the case as “Attempted Burglary” and the Hong Kong Island Regional Crime Investigation Team has taken the lead in the manhunt for the two male suspects. Detectives are reviewing surveillance footage from the estate and nearby roads, hoping to identify the men or their getaway transport.
The incident serves as a crucial reminder for residents throughout Hong Kong, particularly those in high-end districts undergoing renovation. Security consultants often stress that construction periods represent peak vulnerability windows.
Actionable Takeaways for Homeowners:
- Temporary Security Upgrades: Install additional temporary alarms or motion sensors specifically targeting scaffold access points.
- Regular Patrols: Increase the frequency of internal and external security patrols, especially during nighttime hours.
- Scaffolding Management: Ensure that lighting is maximized around the scaffolding structure and consider removing the bottom ladder sections where possible during off-hours.
The police investigation is ongoing, and authorities appeal to the public for any information regarding suspicious activity in the vicinity of Mount Nicholson Road around the time of the incident.
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