Red letters leave red faces (Sydney Opera House Vandalized - photos)

The Daily Telegraph | March 18, 2003

[Indy Pendance]

IT was a red-letter warning to Australia about the ease with which a national icon's security could be breached.

Police and security officials were left red-faced yesterday after protesters scaled the Opera House and daubed "NO WAR" in scarlet paving paint on the tallest sail.

It sparked outrage -- particularly because, just a few months ago in the wake of the Bali bombing, the State Government announced that security around such landmarks was to be ramped up.

Yet yesterday's graffiti session was the second time in recent weeks that security has failed to stop unknown strangers -- who could have been carrying something far more menacing than paint -- from climbing the sails.

Yesterday's offenders were arrested and identified as Dr Will Saunders, a 42-year-old UK scientist in Australia on a working visa, and environmental campaigner David Burgess, 33, from Bucketty on the Central Coast.

The pair are believed to have used their bags to block police access to a manhole on the Concert Hall sail, giving them the 10 minutes they needed to paint their protest.

Police admitted the incident was worrying.

"Our counter-terrorism unit [is] working very closely with the Government and the Opera House about security," Superintendent Phil Rogerson said.

"It's a wake-up call."

Both Saunders and Burgess were charged with malicious damage and granted conditional bail.

Opera House CEO Norman Gillespie admitted the incident had made him reconsider security -- and pledged guards would be placed around the Opera House 24 hours, seven days a week.

But he defended his staff's response, saying it was obvious the pair were protesters, not terrorists.

"We have a very high level of security here [but] if someone has reckless criminal intent they will find a way [to breach it]."

[Indy Pendance]

[Hodar]

I counted 9 people risking their lives to repair the damage. I think it would be fitting that the damage to the sail, and the cost of repairs be assessed to the vandals. Plus, I do believe that defacing a national monument is a felony.

I would enjoy seeing criminals actually held responsible for their crimes, regardless of whether they are 'protesters' or simply malicious vandals.

[Indy Pendance]

These people should go to prision, for life.

[Paul Atreides]

With each passing day, the pro-Saddam crowds give normal people more and more reasons to hate them.

[Indy Pendance]

I hope we have our security tightened around places such as Mt. Rushmore, etc.

[Paul Atreides]

Find out where these vandals live and give them a taste of their own medicine.

[Paul Atreides]

And, especially, the military bases.

[jigsaw]

Tie a rope around them and drag them through Sydney Harbor as shark bait.

[prairiebreeze]

"Specialist climbers" or not, the first time somebody dies from one of these peacnike shenanigans, the blood will be on the hands of ALL of them around the world.

Prairie

[smpc]

On the news last night,when the British guy was talking to the media...some immigration officials came and busted him for a visa violation.It was the coolest thing ive ever seen.

[Indy Pendance]

What are folks saying there? Are they outraged? I hope these criminals get life in prision.

[Dog Gone]

Imagine the worldwide outrage if the words had been "Die Saddam, you weenie."

Talk radio would be banned worldwide.

[smpc]

I think the main concern was with how easily they got up there.Security has been pretty tight around Sydney for the last few months but this shows it needs to get tighter.

I've only spoken to one friend about the incident and all they said was 'hippie wankers'.

[GWfan]

Totally agree. I hope the Aussies throw the book at 'em.

[mcenedo]

It amazes me that 2 guys did this in ten minutes. They bring special climbing gear, couple of gallons of paint and, sprayer?, rollers? How many people watched this happen?

[smpc]

There are stairs you can walk up pretty quickly.They shouldve been guarded though.

[smpc]

Imagine the worldwide outrage if they knew that a member of the NSW Upper House launched this website recently:

http://www.muslimterrorists.com/

[Dog Gone]

You're right. How dare he even mention them by name.

[FReepaholic]

>>...unknown strangers ...<<

Redundant.

[Drango]

It's time for conservatives to take to the streets ourselves. What's a liberal target? I know NPR...

I'm gonna break into my local NPR station (which one? There are 4-5 in the Bay Area) and drop trou in the lobby. That's it. I've had it!