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I've recently run into this problem for a site I'm scouting. Everything about the place is chalking up to be fantastic - lots of access points, lots to explore, and pretty spare security. Well, at least physical security; I'm hitting a stone wall as to how to approach the blasted building, since it's surrounded on all sides by at least 200 meters of flat, open ground. One side, the shortest approach, is maybe 150 meters, but is bordered by one of the busiest roads in the county. Another side, about the same distance, has an almost as busy road and is exposed to a residential area. The other two sides have entries in unobserved areas, but are much longer (~400m) and undeveloped (rucking it over undeveloped grassland). While making approaches in high-traffic areas is something I've done on other trips, here I'm hitting a brick wall because the building's history is such that there is zero reason for anyone to be going there, and the locals know it. Any ideas?
If I put something witty here, maybe someone will love me. |
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Make your entry just before sunrise. As for leaving, you'll just have to make a break for it.
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Go at night or crawl to the POE.
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I've been in this situation more times than I can count. You just have to go for it. Walk up like you belong. Do NOT run. Without having seen the spot, I'd lean towards the longer but less visible approach. But don't overthink it. Ultimately you'll just have to go for it. If it's a high risk location or a place with security then going at night or predawning it can be a great option, but if there's no security like you said then I'd say that's overkill.
"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go..." -Dr. Suess |
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Predawn is the best case scenario. I'd also agree to go for the longer route if it has less chance of being spotted. Make sure you park in a safe spot even if it's relatively far away... a car that looks out of place will raise suspicion. If it's that far, then pack a bike if you can. Post some pictures when you do it!
"Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore." - Andre Gide |
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Pick a time of day when the least amount of neighbors will be around. I would be more worried about someone in a nearby house spotting you than a random person driving by (assuming no cops drive past). I like to err on the side of caution, especially when entering a place. Park somewhere inconspicuous and take whatever way gives you the least chance of being spotted, even if it is quite a bit longer. Wear earth colored clothing, brown, dark green, etc. On the way out you should be okay taking the quicker route. Even if you are spotted you will likely be gone by the time security or police show up.
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While I've never tried this approach, I've seen other members suggest it before. Get one of those bright orange or yellow traffic vests and grab a clip board with some random papers on it. Act like you are meant to be there surveying or something. To the typical person driving by, you will appear to be working at the location, effectively hiding in plain sight.
[last edit 6/22/2015 8:50 PM by JKuhnss - edited 1 times]
Youtube.com/JKuhnss |
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All the above points are the way to go. Do not run, it may sound counter-intuitive but it will only make you look dodgy. Walk with purpose and confidence, preferably don't look over your shoulder and maybe pair it with a hi-vis vest or something of that nature if you are worried about nosey neighbours spotting you. If you don't have a vest or whatever, just go in before everyone in the houses wakes up and then just leave in the hope nobody spots you.
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I'd actually considered the "roleplay a building surveyor" approach, but it's reassuring to hear it from someone else. We'll see how it goes next week when I'm back in CO.
If I put something witty here, maybe someone will love me. |
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I'd just predawn it if i were you.
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Camera and tripod. Just wander around the field, closer and closer, but take your time and be super-obvious. Take a few pics, just in case, of the exterior and anything interesting you find. Take a good half hour being really obvious, then jump in when there's a break in the traffic.
I'm a "Leave only footprints, take only pornography" kind of guy, myself. |
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I've been in the exact same scenario. If you're not willing to buy a ghillie suit and crawl at a foot a minute I would highly recommend a high visibility vest. Seriously a bright neon green vest, hardhat and clipboard is like wearing an invisibility cloak. I'm presuming, of course, that this location doesn't have security guarding it or fences.
I do my best work at midnight. Carpe Noctem. |
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"Are you happy now with all the choices you've made?" "Are there times in life when you know you should've stayed?" "Will you compromise and then realize the price is too much to pay?" "Winners and losers... which one will you be today?" ***Social Distortion*** |
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What is this? All I see is a tree...
Every time you read this, I become more powerful. https://www.flickr...tos/115873398@N03/ |
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I always go for the "act like you belong there" approach. If you look sketchy, you'll draw attention. Walk briskly, but confidently. Do not run. Keep your head up. Do not look around more than necessary.
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You may consider biking across the 400m less-observed section. 400m takes a few seconds on a bike, so the chance of being seen is very small. If you can make it look as though you're just doing some back-country riding and don't plan to actually enter (until you do!) then the chances of being seen and reported are smaller still.
-VAD |
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I've always found that pre-dawn, Sunday mornings are best. The roads are always empty and may make the busier, shorter run a bit less risky (but then again I dont like walking so what do I know). If you opt for the longer route, I agree with the bike suggestion but again, no matter which way you go Sunday mornings are best. With that being said, if the place is a haven for homeless people, pre-dawn has almost a 100% chance that you will encounter them in their "homes" which may or may not be a cool experience.
See More on Flickr! https://www.flickr...tos/133983270@N06/ |
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Posted by Rinzler I'd just predawn it if i were you.
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Bump. Keep it simple. Sunday morning or a weekday. No lights, wait for daybreak in the building. Take your time going to and in the building, one hole can be very costly. Your greatest risk is injury.
Just when I thought I was out... they pulled me back in. |
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My friend Blackhawk speaks with wisdom. This subject however is broad and difficult to ascribe one solution. Its really location specific i.e. would a person walking around draw attention and the suspicion of any passing motorist? Any passing police? Can you look like you belong there, maybe if its a construction site, but pretty doubtful if its a U.S.A.F. weapons storage depot unless you got your pickle suit on! You have to be flexible, some sites call for different approach. Spend some time observing traffic both vehicle and pedestrian. Sometimes you can find an approach obscured from all angles. If not then back to the OP question about crossing open ground, if youre convinced there are no cameras, stage up in the tree line or buildings or whatever cover is available within a short distance. Watch for a break no cars no pedestrians. Heck Ive even done the sniper crawl from bush to bush just to be safe. Only to learn later I could've just walked right in from the sidewalk! Im a big proponent of going in at pre-dawn even daybreak with less traffic, and traffic that cant see well, just stay out of the headlights.
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I would like to add, in most settings, there isn't anyone watching a monitor the the camera broacasts on. Most cases they look back on the tape when there is an occurrence. If the site is important then it maybe be watched.
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