Childish pranks highlight lax security
DRUNK daredevils are risking their lives and ridiculing security by scaling Asia's tallest building, while a Valentino tie flying from the Central Plaza mast mocks management denials of the security breaches.
The thrill-seekers, who scoff at using safety equipment, climb the 374-metre building in business suits so as not to arouse suspicion as they tiptoe past security guards late at night.
They go straight from Lan Kwai Fong, beer cans bulging in their pockets to crack open when they reach the summit of Central PLaza.
The latest activity for bored bar-hoppers involves climbing up a 122-rung ladder hugging the outside of the spire to the Plaza's pinnacle. It has no safety bars to protect climbers from falling off backwards and one slip could be fatal.
At the top is a lightning conductor, a big spotlight, a wonderful view and, at present, a Valentino tie.
Why do they do it? ''Because it is there,'' said one climber. ''It gives you a real buzz. I get a rush of adrenalin just thinking about it. The first time I did it I was sure I was going to die, but the second time it was OK.'' Central Plaza management has in the past denied rumours of the dangerous escapades. Company representative Ms Caroll Kwan Shuk-fan said it was impossible.
''There is no way anyone could get up there, it is hard enough for the staff working here,'' she said.
But the smartly-dressed stuntmen described every step of the way to prove they had, indeed, scaled the building.
But, the bitter coating on an already difficult pill for management to swallow is that several night-time climbers work in the property industry and have gleefully pointed out that their activities highlight bad building management.
And a word of warning - having cracked Central Plaza, the climbers have set their sights on the second highest building in Hongkong - the Bank of China Tower.
