Early Wednesday morning in Hong Kong, authorities launched an investigation into a case of criminal damage and targeted intimidation after an outer wall of Texwood Plaza in Kwun Tong was defaced with red paint.
The incident at 4–6 How Ming Street was reported at approximately 1:35 a.m. today when a motorist contacted police regarding prominent vandalism outside the commercial building. Responding officers discovered a significant amount of red paint covering the exterior wall and adjacent pavement. Adding to the scene of defacement, dozens of A4-sized posters were found scattered near the entrance, featuring photographs and a full name of an individual, alongside the stark, capitalized warning: “Beware of Scammers.” Investigators recovered a glass bottle and a plastic pail at the site, believed to be the containers used to carry out the vandalism.
Police Suspect Targeted Debt Collection
Initial police assessment suggests the nocturnal attack was a deliberate act linked to an alleged debt collection scheme. This type of aggressive intimidation tactic, involving public shaming through paint and posters, is sometimes employed in Hong Kong’s underground lending ecosystem.
The scale of the incident—the widespread distribution of dozens of specifically designed posters coupled with the red paint—indicates a planned operation. Police are currently treating the matter as criminal damage and are concentrating efforts on identifying the perpetrators. Investigators are prioritizing the review of nearby CCTV surveillance footage, a critical step in determining the number of individuals involved and accurately reconstructing the sequence of events leading up to the report.
The Impact of Public Shaming Vandalism
Targeted vandalism, particularly when combined with personal information, extends beyond mere property damage; it constitutes a form of public harassment designed to exert extreme psychological pressure.
Actionable Takeaways for Property Managers:
- Enhance Surveillance: Ensure high-definition, wide-angle CCTV coverage extends to all ground-level exterior walls and pedestrian entrances. Modern systems should include infrared night vision.
- Rapid Reporting: Establish clear protocols for security or cleaning staff for immediate reporting of suspicious activity or fresh vandalism.
- Maintain Clear Lighting: Well-lit exteriors serve as a significant deterrent to late-night vandalism.
This type of targeted destruction often leaves building owners responsible for costly and intricate clean-up, especially when paint is applied to porous surfaces. Furthermore, the incident creates negative publicity and potential security concerns for tenants within Texwood Plaza.
Police continue to follow leads and have not yet made any arrests. The investigation remains active as authorities work to locate those responsible for the criminal damage and alleged intimidation campaign. Community members with any information are urged to contact the Kwun Tong District Police.