I recently found a kickass middle school boarded up tight. As far as I could see there was no way to slip in without removing boards. Since no one every uses the poll feature I'll try it out.

So remove a board and put it back into place when you go in so it looks like it wasnt messed with? Just be careful cause you can get into a lot more trouble if you're caught.

I never do because it will be considered breaking & entering if caught. B&E is a felony which would almost definitely cost me my job so it's just not worth it. I've absolutely been tempted though. Columbus has a great abandoned elementary school that is completely shuttered. I tried back in 2012 and couldn't get in.
After a few other unsuccessful tries, I went again a couple months ago and a basement window was finally open so I did end up getting to explore it. In all honesty, the three-year wait made it that much better when I finally got in.

Keep checking back and something will give.

I'll admit that I've pulled boards off a window once. The location wound up being unremarkable and not really worth the risk, but fortunately I didn't have any problems and got away with it. I don't think I would do it again.

I will say that my rules of engagement may vary, depending on who I am with. If people in the group are not willing to take risks that I am, I will respect the group and defer to their wishes. If I really want to try something a little more risky, I will wait until I am alone or with like-minded folks.

Edit: I also won't mess around at sites other people have shared with me, mainly because I don't want anyone feeling as though I betrayed their trust. It's not worth it.

Entry that leaves no trace is my preference.

Posted by KD20 I never do because it will be considered breaking & entering if caught. B&E is a felony which would almost definitely cost me my job so it's just not worth it. I've absolutely been tempted though. Columbus has a great abandoned elementary school that is completely shuttered. I tried back in 2012 and couldn't get in. After a few other unsuccessful tries, I went again a couple months ago and a basement window was finally open so I did end up getting to explore it. In all honesty, the three-year wait made it that much better when I finally got in.

Just so you know, some states categorize that as B&E. So you aren't as safe as you think.

If I can do it with a low chance of getting caught, and it's worth it, and I know I won't really bother anyone with my deed, I will create an entrance for sure. I strive to make it so that nobody can find it unless I tell somebody. Like unscrewing a board but leaving in 1 screw, so the board is still in place but you can push/bend it and squeeze through. Things like that are the best entrances and can keep a place vandalism free for years.

If you're afraid of being caught the most tactical thing to do is to carefully create your entrance one night, go back home and return the next day with your camera and all. You're there without tools and can't be held responsible for breaking and entering.

Posted by dodger Entry that leaves no trace is my preference.

I agree, but I'll admit to having made an exception or 2 for cases where they were golden, with no other PoEs, especially if facing demo.the worst ive ever done included unscrewing part of a particle board, bending it to the side, and bending it back and screwing it in on the way out.

Sure, if you want to escalate basic trespass to breaking and entering/going equipped to steal/criminal damage, take your pick.

It's just not worth it. Especially not worth admitting to anything like that on a public forum either which is a really dumb idea.

Posted by Steed Keep checking back and something will give.

This is usually the best option. There is a place here that hasn't been opened in 20 years. No interior pictures exist and I am super curious...but I do not have the heart to pop a board and leave it open to be destroyed.Also, I do not want to get a B & E charge. Just be patient and someone else will make an entry for you or the elements will.

I keep a check on the location and sooner or later I'll get in. I never have and never will remove boards, etc to gain access. It's just not worth it to me...

Posted by sirpsychosexy If you're afraid of being caught the most tactical thing to do is to carefully create your entrance one night, go back home and return the next day with your camera and all. You're there without tools and can't be held responsible for breaking and entering.

Sure you can. Entering a dwelling through a window, something not meant to be an entrance can count as B&E.

Posted by Rinzler Sure you can. Entering a dwelling through a window, something not meant to be an entrance can count as B&E.

Laws are different in Europe with regards to B&E. It's not just a case of entering through something already open, for it to be classed as B&E you have to have tools on you ('going equipped') or be caught in the act of doing something to gain access, or whatever. Hence it's not just 'entering' it's 'breaking' as well.

Posted by mookster Laws are different in Europe with regards to B&E. It's not just a case of entering through something already open, for it to be classed as B&E you have to have tools on you ('going equipped') or be caught in the act of doing something to gain access, or whatever. Hence it's not just 'entering' it's 'breaking' as well.

I would think that they would be different. I'm speaking for certain states in the US.

someone else with less regard to the law will make a way in,
i will keep checking a site and eventually there will be access, good things come to those who wait!

You know the thing is, almost every now accessible place has been opened by someone, unless it's so rotten that a door spontaneously fell out or something. Sometimes it's done by local youth, sometimes thieves, but MANY times (at least here in Holland/Belgium) by explorers. Sometimes an entrance is closed off and a week later you'll find a new one. I think many explorers are being hypocritical about it. If you don't want to take the risk I completely understand and respect that, but at least be thankful to the people who DO take the risk. Think about that when you pass through their entrance.

Btw, not everyone knows how to do this tactfully, I've seen awful entrances too. Just today I saw a 100 year old door that someone had kicked a hole in. So yeah, the building is accessible now, but this way really? It not only sucks because it's too obvious but also because it's a beautiful 100 year old door! Saw the same thing done to a church door, and after being closed off and reopened a few times all that was left was a bunch of splinters. I would never do such damage and keep it limited to unscrewing a board or unlocking a door, as invisible as possible.

Posted by sirpsychosexy If you don't want to take the risk I completely understand and respect that, but at least be thankful to the people who DO take the risk. Think about that when you pass through their entrance.

I can't even guess how many times my exploring partner and I have gotten into a place and one or the other of us have said something along the lines of "I don't know who these guys with the bolt cutters are, but thanks!" Around here it's usually fences. Seems like there are holes cut in fences almost everywhere we go.

Frankly I wouldn't be surprised if there are explorers who profess never doing such things, yet pull out the tools when nobody is looking. I'm not trying to say that about anyone in particular, so please nobody take that personally!

Posted by TunnelRunner33 Frankly I wouldn't be surprised if there are explorers who profess never doing such things, yet pull out the tools when nobody is looking. I'm not trying to say that about anyone in particular, so please nobody take that personally!

The poll speaks for itself. Only 31% havent admitted it, even anonymously.

You have tools on you, if caught, expect felony charges in all states I know.
For something like Beth Steel in the day, I bend the rules to see like jumping a barbed wire fence... for an average middle school, no way.
Plus if it's boarded up proper, ambient light will be an issue as well. Inversely flashlights are like signal flares at night if it's not light tight.
As Steed said, wait and one day it will probably be a walk in.