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Chronos
 
location:
Phoenix, Arizona
Gender: Male
 |  | Entering through the AC
< on 6/20/2006 7:13 AM >
|  | | | I recently tried a new way to gain entry to an active site that that seemed to be locked down pretty tight. We were on the roof looking for ways in when we decided to see if there was anyway we could use the AC unit to our advantage, and we could. We found that on this particular AC there was a small door that we could fit through and, after disassembling a couple things inside the unit, we could eventually get to a vent on the inside of the building. It was a long drop (60 or so feet) out of the vent, which is why I would imagine it wasn't very secure, so we brought our rappelling gear. It was a fairly quick, easy, and fun way to gain entry in my opinion. Nothing like the rush of doing a free rappel like that. However, since it is something I haven't tried before I was wondering if anyone could give some insight on dangers I may have overlooked, or just share similar experiences. Any input at all would be great. Thanks.
Edit: Spelling
[last edit 6/20/2006 7:15 AM by Chronos - edited 1 times]
"Always acknowledge a fault. This will throw those in authority off their guard and give you an opportunity to commit more." -Mark Twain |
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Sidler
 
location:
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Gender: Male
| | Re: Entering through the AC
<Reply # 1 on 6/20/2006 8:12 AM >
|  | | | First off, I don't want to see anybody disassembling any expensive equipment when they're out with me.
That said though, I've often looked at the AC units with a longing curiosity. A few newspaper stories have kept me away though. In one, a burglary attempt in a corner store ended with the burglar falling through the ductwork, which obviously isn't meant to hold the weight of a man. He was stuck in the store and eventually had to call the cops to let him out. Another had a burglar trying to get in through the vent and he got stuck sticking half out. Unable to move anything, he couldn't even call the cops. He had to wait for the owner of the place to find him the next morning with his feet sticking out over the deep fryer. The owner was very amused, and I'm sure I'm not the only one that burst out laughing when I read the newspaper article.
Another good thing to remember, if you are found rappeling down into a large, active warehouse, harness and all, you are pretty much guaranteed to be seen as a terrorist, or a burglar at the very least. The cops won't take it easy on you. They won't ask to see your nifty pictures. You will likely get beaten.
something witty |
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blackhawk
This member has been banned. See the banlist for more information.
location:
Mission Control
UER newbie
| |  | Re: Entering through the AC
<Reply # 2 on 6/20/2006 2:01 PM >
| | | | Posted by Chronos
I recently tried a new way to gain entry to an active site that that seemed to be locked down pretty tight. We were on the roof looking for ways in when we decided to see if there was anyway we could use the AC unit to our advantage, and we could. We found that on this particular AC there was a small door that we could fit through and, after disassembling a couple things inside the unit, we could eventually get to a vent on the inside of the building. It was a long drop (60 or so feet) out of the vent, which is why I would imagine it wasn't very secure, so we brought our rappelling gear. It was a fairly quick, easy, and fun way to gain entry in my opinion. Nothing like the rush of doing a free rappel like that. However, since it is something I haven't tried before I was wondering if anyone could give some insight on dangers I may have overlooked, or just share similar experiences. Any input at all would be great. Thanks.
Edit: Spelling
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No legal expert, but that sounds like B&E. Not worth it as far as I'm concerned.
Just when I thought I was out... they pulled me back in.
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yokes
  
location:
Toronto
Gender: Male
I aim to misbehave
| |  | | Re: Entering through the AC
<Reply # 3 on 6/20/2006 2:04 PM >
| | | | Cajones, I'll give you that.
Did you re-assemble the AC unit on your way out?
"Great architecture has only two natural enemies: water and stupid men." - Richard Nickel |
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43rdstreet
location:
Bowmanville, Ontario
Gender: Male
| | | Re: Entering through the AC
<Reply # 4 on 6/20/2006 2:06 PM >
| | | | Posted by blackhawk
No legal expert, but that sounds like B&E. Not worth it as far as I'm concerned.
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I agree with blackhawk, I don't agree with UEing through the AC. Just make sure they don't notice that the AC isn't working correctly.
[last edit 6/20/2006 2:07 PM by 43rdstreet - edited 1 times]
http://www.flickr....hotos/sigurdurham/ |
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Chronos
location:
Phoenix, Arizona
Gender: Male
| | Re: Entering through the AC
<Reply # 5 on 6/20/2006 5:35 PM >
| | | | Posted by yokes
Did you re-assemble the AC unit on your way out?
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Yeah, we put it back together when we were done. Just to clarify a little, all we had to do to take it apart was pull out some filters and pull up a grate. Also, we didn't have to crawl through any ducts, after getting in it was a straight drop to a vent that was just resting there. We lifted it off and dropped in. I'll upload a couple pics. Also, we did a little recon to see if there was any security at night and there wasn't, but just to be safe we left someone (the big guy with his face blurred) on the roof with a radio to let us know if someone did enter the parking lot. We've been in there during the day and we knew there weren't any motion sensors or alarms on the doors. It was B&E, which I don't usually agree with, but in that case there was little to no chance of getting caught, and the only trace we left was some dust that fell out of the AC when we came out of it, which we swept up before we left.
Edit: Spelling and clarity
[last edit 6/20/2006 5:48 PM by Chronos - edited 2 times]
"Always acknowledge a fault. This will throw those in authority off their guard and give you an opportunity to commit more." -Mark Twain |
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Spyder
 
location:
Ottawa
Gender: Male
Holy Fuck!!! There's a tree frog in the toilet!
| | Re: Entering through the AC
<Reply # 6 on 6/20/2006 5:55 PM >
| | | | I have been on this board almost 2 years now, and I must add my two cents on this. Infiltrating active sites like Ninj did, i.e. finding a way into off limit areas of a building that is open to the public, during active hours, is Urban Exploration in my opinion.
Breaking into an active building by what ever method, especially when the building is locked up or closed for the day, is not in my opinion, Urban Exploration, it is B&E pure and simple.
This type of activity only give us UEs who like the abandoned buildings a bad rap.
If you are caught, and charged with B&E don't whine on this board about how bad/unfair the cops/owner/courts treated you. It's your own fault.
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Chronos
location:
Phoenix, Arizona
Gender: Male
| | Re: Entering through the AC
<Reply # 7 on 6/20/2006 6:26 PM >
| | | | Posted by Spyder
If you are caught, and charged with B&E don't whine on this board about how bad/unfair the cops/owner/courts treated you. It's your own fault.
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I resent that statement. I know the risks involved in B&E, I know what the charges are, and I am fairly familiar with the court system (not from experience mind you). I'm not a minor and I know what a felony on my record would do, and how much it would haunt me for the rest of my life.
That being said, I respect your views on B&E, and like I said, I usually wouldn't take part in it. However, under the circumstances I thought that it would be okay, and I would guess that many members of this site would have agreed with me had they been in the situation. Just as I respect your views about this, I would expect that you would give me some credit when I say that I don't agree with B&E in general, and respect that I made a judgement call based on ethics that are very similar to yours (at least, I gather from your post), whether you would have made the same choice or not.
"Always acknowledge a fault. This will throw those in authority off their guard and give you an opportunity to commit more." -Mark Twain |
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natxtron
location:
memphis
urbanesquelation
| |  | Re: Entering through the AC
<Reply # 8 on 6/20/2006 7:04 PM >
| | | | i can understand the allure of getting into a site through this method. it does look fun though i would have to agree with blackhawk and spyder, this appears to be simple b&e. unless there is some unbelievably good exploring to be had in the building (that cannot be done during business hours) that can substantiate afterhours entry of a live site, it's always going to fall into b&e. i'm not going to blast anyone for doing it, it's your personal choice. but this is a democratic forum and when the majority agree upon a subject, it's best to leave it alone.
chronos, don't take it personal. it is not you or your exploring abilities that are in question... it is the subject of ue versus b&e ethics that should be debated.
i feel that if an active building has something interesting, it should be found during business hours or through less invasive entry. it's part of the social engineering skills and curiosity of exploring. if it is impossible to access, like an employees only area, sometimes you have to draw the line and realize it just can't be done. there is no harm in knowing some places just can't be explored. or if you still can't live with yourself, do it the legal way and get a job there. i've worked at several locations, just to gain access.
had this been an abandonment, i would be all for it.
[edit: grammer]
[last edit 6/20/2006 7:08 PM by natxtron - edited 1 times]
Are you now, or have you ever been? |
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blackhawk
This member has been banned. See the banlist for more information.
location:
Mission Control
UER newbie
| | | Re: Entering through the AC
<Reply # 9 on 6/20/2006 7:56 PM >
| | | | Posted by Chronos
I resent that statement. I know the risks involved in B&E, I know what the charges are, and I am fairly familiar with the court system (not from experience mind you). I'm not a minor and I know what a felony on my record would do, and how much it would haunt me for the rest of my life.
That being said, I respect your views on B&E, and like I said, I usually wouldn't take part in it. However, under the circumstances I thought that it would be okay, and I would guess that many members of this site would have agreed with me had they been in the situation. Just as I respect your views about this, I would expect that you would give me some credit when I say that I don't agree with B&E in general, and respect that I made a judgement call based on ethics that are very similar to yours (at least, I gather from your post), whether you would have made the same choice or not.
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This has gone from bad to much worse. That is B&E, and a bunch more charges. Those pics you just posted can be used as evidence. This isn't the wild,wild, west. You may have also open yourself to a civil suit. I suggest you ask a Mod to delete the pics, and maybe this thread. Never do it again, and hope that it ends here. My feeling is this thread has no business here on this site.
Just when I thought I was out... they pulled me back in.
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Joecat
location:
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Gender: Male
DRAINS
| | Re: Entering through the AC
<Reply # 10 on 6/20/2006 8:18 PM >
| | | | So he got into an active building.
So what?
That's nothing new here.
and the deal with B&E is no big thing, an officer could likely pin you with B&E for exploring anything.
He explored something, isn't that why we're all here?
"Dane, what the hell is a 'sanitarium?'" "Don't know, why?" "We're in one." |
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Avatar-X
 
Alpha Husky
location:
West Coast
Gender: Male
yay!
| | | Re: Entering through the AC
<Reply # 11 on 6/20/2006 8:19 PM >
| | | | I'd have to agree... breaking into an active building, off-hours, could be considered B&E. But I've snuck around in active buildings off-hours too. I think the important thing is that you have to not steal or vandalize or whatever, and realize the risks of being caught.
-av
huskies - such fluff. |
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undercity
location:
Los Angeles, CA
Gender: Male
| | | Re: Entering through the AC
<Reply # 12 on 6/20/2006 11:21 PM >
| | | | Posted by Chronos
.... we could eventually get to a vent on the inside of the building. It was a long drop (60 or so feet) out of the vent, which is why I would imagine it wasn't very secure, so we brought our rappelling gear. It was a fairly quick, easy, and fun way to gain entry in my opinion. Nothing like the rush of doing a free rappel like that...
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the other important thing is that this sounds pretty fucking cool... forget about ethics good or bad for a minute; this is pure and simple pretty badass and cool. And on top of that it shows dedication because they had to plan ahead enough to bring the rappel gear. Excellent job!
I've gone up inside ductwork from one level of a building ot another; the one thing i know of that you have to watch out for is that sometimes in industrial HVAC systems they have heavy metal louvers over certian openings such as at the central plant in the basement, and it can be impossible to get through or remove the louvers sometimes. but there's usually another way out, like a hatch in the ductwork.
steve
www.undercity.org
steve@undercity.org"> |
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Chronos
location:
Phoenix, Arizona
Gender: Male
| | Re: Entering through the AC
<Reply # 13 on 6/20/2006 11:43 PM >
| | | | It's good to see that not everyone is immediately condemning me. As I said before, I agree with everything outlined in the "ethics" link on the left side of your screen just as much as anyone here, I made a judgement call. There was a lot of forethought and planning, the risk of injury was so low that it was negligible, nothing was taken or even moved without it being promptly replaced. We left no trace. On top of that, it was very cool. I can't see how this is worse than going into an abandonment. It's a lot safer in any case. True, it was B&E, but some people fail to realize that, in most places, in an abandonment that is private property once you open an unlocked door you have committed B&E. What's the difference? I usually don't enter active sites like this, but I made a judgement call. BH, I respect you and your views, but there is literally no reason any sort of authority would have reason to investigate, so how would those pics and this post would incriminate me? Thanks though.
Thanks undercity, it was very cool. The only thing I would have done differently is rappel aussie style (commando). That would have been much cooler. How do you remove the louvers over openings? I've never attempted anything like that because I didn't know how I'd get out of the vents without breaking them. I'd be interested to find out if theres a way to get them off.
[last edit 6/20/2006 11:44 PM by Chronos - edited 1 times]
"Always acknowledge a fault. This will throw those in authority off their guard and give you an opportunity to commit more." -Mark Twain |
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yokes
location:
Toronto
Gender: Male
I aim to misbehave
| | | | Re: Entering through the AC
<Reply # 14 on 6/20/2006 11:55 PM >
| | | | How was the site?
"Great architecture has only two natural enemies: water and stupid men." - Richard Nickel |
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HillbillyHorus
location:
Charlottesville Virginia
Gender: Male
Im in ur government, killin ur d00dz
| | | Re: Entering through the AC
<Reply # 15 on 6/21/2006 12:05 AM >
| | | | That sounds pretty damn fun, but yeah, not worth the risk IMHO. I got into a semi-abandoned (i.e. mothballed) warehouse by finding a broken duct on the outside of the building. We didn't have to break a thing, except tear it out just wide enough for us to squeeze in. It might've been pretty cool (abandoned offices in the back), but there were lights on and we heard crashing so I guess there's a squatter right now. Well we'll check back in a few months and see if he's drifted away.
You can't fall off a mountain. |
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'Dukes
Noble Donor
Gender: Male
At least someone llikes me
| | | Re: Entering through the AC
<Reply # 16 on 6/21/2006 12:20 AM >
| | | | Active? How Active was it?
Otherwise I think it sounds pretty ballsy.
That having been said, I could make the ages old comparison between you breaking into an "active site" like my house, and then you've crossed the line. You'd get popped, but not by the authorities.
The reason people take issue with this is simply because it seems like it's over the top, assuming this was some sort of business or other location.
I still think it's ballsy, but then, where do we cross the line where we become simple burglars?
That's where it ends to me. I have to have an interest in a place before I go anyway. Risking getting popped going through the roof of a frigging 7 eleven or something doesn't strike me as overly attractive.
I got your tour winner right here pussies, at least he'd crash out trying. |
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HillbillyHorus
location:
Charlottesville Virginia
Gender: Male
Im in ur government, killin ur d00dz
| | | Re: Entering through the AC
<Reply # 17 on 6/21/2006 12:26 AM >
| | | | Posted by 'Dukes
where do we cross the line where we become simple burglars?
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When we steal things. Especially "exploring" for the sole purpose of stealing. That hasn't happened much here though; some people do take little keep-sakes from abandoned sites but it's not like they're selling wheel chairs they found in mental hospitals.
You can't fall off a mountain. |
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'Dukes
Noble Donor
Gender: Male
At least someone llikes me
| | | Re: Entering through the AC
<Reply # 18 on 6/21/2006 12:34 AM >
| | | | Posted by Horus
When we steal things. Especially "exploring" for the sole purpose of stealing. That hasn't happened much here though; some people do take little keep-sakes from abandoned sites but it's not like they're selling wheel chairs they found in mental hospitals.
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Horus, that isn't the question, I'm not talking about entering through the roof of a place that is active only because the buildings on the grounds are a prison, with unused buildings.
I'm talking about walking down the street, seeing a "active" Cir*uit Ci*y for example and saying "I'm going to get all up in that bitch". Go in through the roof, don't take anything, but still it's a private business.
I don't mean and don't want this to devolve into an ethics flame fest, I just think that "where do you draw the line " is a pretty important question.
Now Ninj and his "stealing pool time" that's another matter, active yes, B and E no. I used to bust his balls about this , but only about it's nature, not how it was achieved.
I got your tour winner right here pussies, at least he'd crash out trying. |
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blackhawk
This member has been banned. See the banlist for more information.
location:
Mission Control
UER newbie
| | | Re: Entering through the AC
<Reply # 19 on 6/21/2006 12:43 AM >
| | | | I don't think this is a "ethics" question at all. It's common sense. Doing a lot less than this will cost more time, and money than most people care to part with if caught. There are buildings that are open and more interesting without the opportunity for felony charges to arise.
Just when I thought I was out... they pulled me back in.
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Ethics
