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Infiltration Forums > Archived Rookie Forum > Security cameras at a hydroelectric facility. They are tearing down a dam and I need advice on how safe it is to walk around one of the buildings with security cameras (Viewed 2360 times)

io organic industrialism \|	Security cameras at a hydroelectric facility. They are tearing down a dam and I need advice on how safe it is to walk around one of the buildings with security cameras < on 8/13/2007 3:19 AM >

	Hi. I need some advice on how to approach this situation. My city is in the process of tearing down a 100 year old Hydroelectric dam. I am documenting the deconstruction. However, at the same facility, there is a much newer building that houses machinery which presumably stores the electricity generated by the dam. I am interested in getting close to or inside of the newer building which has security cameras, even though it is not scheduled for destruction. Here is a picture of the whole facility, taken in november 2006, before the deconstruction began: In center is the newer machine building. In the upper right you can see the old building, adjacent to the dam, which is scheduled for destruction. Here are a couple of contrast photos, before and after, taken from roughly the same vantage point... The backside of the dam, in november 2006: The backside, in august 2007: view from standing on the dam, november 2006: view from the dam, august 2007: The newer building is not scheduled to be torn down, but it still has always been an intriguing site to me, and a source of much industrial inspiration. However, not being athletic, I have never had the skills necessary to scale the fence and get up close to the building in order to look in the windows at the machinery, and take pictures. Due to the current circumstances of the older part of the site being removed, the layout of the inside of the facility has changed. As you can see from the first pic, there are actually 2 sets of barbwire fence to deal with. The outer perimeter, which is no problem to get past due to several security holes which require no climbing. However, the inner fence (only around the front of the main machine building) has always been impenetrable to me. Currently, there is a trench dug at one part of the fence, making entry into that area EFFORTLESS. When I noticed that today, I was INCREDIBLY EXCITED! I was finally going to be able to get close to the forbidden building (go up those stairs and finally get to the doors and windows). However, as soon as I got in, and I was just about to go up the set of stairs on the right... I looked up and noticed a security camera which you can see in this picture (viewed from a different side of the building): This is one of those dome cameras where the camera can turn in any direction and probably zoom in. There is also one on the opposite corner of the building. I don't know why I never noticed the cameras until today. The picture above was taken in November and I actually had to go back and look because I thought maybe the cameras were a recent addition... But somehow I just never noticed them before! Well, it wasn't as big of a deal then .... but... Here is my new dilemma and why I need advice: It is one issue if i'm just out there taking pictures of a historical landmark that is being destroyed. If the cops come, I can tell them the truth and it probably won't bother them too much, especially if they were to catch me outside the perimeter fence. Historical documentation is actually a pretty legitimate excuse to be meddling around here, so i figure my alibi is pretty safe if i were to get caught However, it is an entirely different beast to be messing around and climbing up a building that is not only 1) not part of the landmark site that is being destroyed but also 2) behind 2 sets of barbwire fence 3) has security cameras 4) is important to the power infrastructure of my area (i read an article online that said that the reason the perimeter fence was put up was due to terrorist concern after the 911 attacks) after I noticed the camera today, I left. I didn't run, but I walked steadily out of there. I didn't get to walk up the stairs and look into the windows like I wanted to. I knew that I was potentially on camera and I didn't want to get any closer to the cameras so that my face could be seen better. I doubt the cameras are fake because they are well disguised (they almost look like lights), however I have no idea about how often their footage is monitored, or what actions would be taken if anyone was caught lurking. The site is owned by the city government, and it's an unmanned facility. There are construction workers during the week, but that's why I come on the weekends when nobody is out there except occasional fishermen. I am going to get up to that building, damnit, and I am going to do it soon, before the trench is filled and my easy security flaw gone. I need to take the opportunity soon (next few weeks), but I don't want to go in without a good plan, and that is why I am consulting infiltration. Here are my questions: 1) Should I do this mission at night, or during the day? I am leaning towards night, even though the place is still lit very well at night, I will at least have SOME cover of darkness... i.e. shadowy areas and I will be less noticable to the camera if I am wearing black 2) Should I wear a special outfit, or will the suspicion that could arouse actually make things worse? I have a dark colored druidic cloak that would be good for hiding in shadows, which I have considered wearing during the night mission. However, it is very possible that I will still be detected by the camera because of the bright lights. If the camera watchers see somebody in a cloak, will it appear more suspicious than someone just wearing black street clothes? It might arouse suspicion of terrorism.... Which would make them more likely to send out a patrol? I don't know 3) Should I wear some kind of face cover so that my face will not be picked up on the camera? I'm pretty much expecting to be seen by the camera, so I might as well go anonymously, right? At the top of the stairs will be pretty close to the camera, well enough for me to be easily recognizable. A friend of mine has a facemask that essentially just makes your face black/invisible. I am considering borrowing it whether or not I wear the cloak. This way as long as I don't get caught onsite, it will be less likely that any video footage would be used as evidence against me later on I plan on doing this mission as quickly as possible. Once in, I will take the necessary photos, and then leave. That way, even if any enforcement is summoned, I should hopefully be gone long before they arrive. It may be no big deal because I've already been possibly caught on camera before (in November, I was inside the perimeter fence for about 45 minutes taking various pictures, without noticing the cameras, and nobody ever came out) .... but somehow, accessing the main machine building seems more dangerous and something more likely to get me in trouble. Any advice is welcomed. Thank you!

person location: cincinnati Gender: Male \|	Re: Security cameras at a hydroelectric facility. They are tearing down a dam and I need advice on how safe it is to walk around one of the buildings with security cameras <Reply # 1 on 8/13/2007 3:28 AM >

	Holy title, batman! My advice is to leave the building alone: 1) Cities don't like people messing with their power grid 2) Two barbed-wire fences + cameras = somebody REALLY doesn't want you to be there But if you insist on checking the place out, for god sakes don't go at night dressed up like a ninja. Explaining that to that cops isn't my idea of a fun time.

io organic industrialism \|	Re: Security cameras at a hydroelectric facility. They are tearing down a dam and I need advice on how safe it is to walk around one of the buildings with security cameras <Reply # 2 on 8/13/2007 4:29 AM >

	It's just so EASY to get in right now, they must not care too much about keeping people out

blackhawk This member has been banned. See the banlist for more information. location: Mission Control UER newbie \| \|	Re: Security cameras at a hydroelectric facility. They are tearing down a dam and I need advice on how safe it is to walk around one of the buildings with security cameras <Reply # 3 on 8/13/2007 6:38 AM >

	If your in the USA, any facility that generates or transmits electricity is a 911 hot spot. They have a nasty habit of being able to track people down, and if they do, at the very least they'll want to see those pictures. Unless you enjoy sharing your images with FBI field agents in the comfort of your home, you might try asking permission, or leave it be. You may have not spotted all the cameras, and there are a few other tricks you are over looking. shakes head The fact that it's well lit, has security, and is under construction, sends a clear message that this isn't abandoned and uninvited visitors aren't welcome. Note: You posted this same facility as "Legality: UE photos as evidence of your tresspassing?" on 11/20/2006 11:36 AM. http://www.uer.ca/...rrpage=1&pp#post12 [last edit 8/13/2007 6:54 AM by blackhawk - edited 1 times] Just when I thought I was out... they pulled me back in.

NoSuchPerson Stop, or I'll ask you again! \|	Re: Security cameras at a hydroelectric facility. They are tearing down a dam and I need advice on how safe it is to walk around one of the buildings with security cameras <Reply # 4 on 8/13/2007 7:55 AM >

	I wish you luck, however keep in mind that without permission, you won't have much to stand on should you get caught. I'd attempt to get permission. You know how paranoid people are since 911 Unit calling radio say again?

io organic industrialism

Re: Security cameras at a hydroelectric facility. They are tearing down a dam and I need advice on how safe it is to walk around one of the buildings with security cameras
<Reply # 5 on 8/13/2007 11:53 AM >

Posted by blackhawk

Note: You posted this same facility as "Legality: UE photos as evidence of your tresspassing?" on 11/20/2006 11:36 AM.

http://www.uer.ca/...rrpage=1&pp#post12

indeed.

well, i was certain that i was going to do this, but now that everyone is telling me not to, i am getting a bad feeling about it

i do want to note that the goal is not to break into the building. if the doors are locked, i won't try to do any kind of lock picking/etc. the main goal is just to get a camera up to the windows for a couple of quick snaps.

blackhawk

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Posted by io organic industrialism

indeed.

well, i was certain that i was going to do this, but now that everyone is telling me not to, i am getting a bad feeling about it

Why not ask permission if your really intent on trying to do this?
If workers are around when your there, ask the construction or facility super if he would allow it, he might. Construction supers can be cool.

Still, as stated before your really better off staying away from 911 hot spots.

Just when I thought I was out... they pulled me back in.

io organic industrialism \|	Re: Security cameras at a hydroelectric facility. They are tearing down a dam and I need advice on how safe it is to walk around one of the buildings with security cameras <Reply # 7 on 8/13/2007 1:25 PM >

	i've never gone out there when there are workers. i go on weekends intentionally to avoid people. the place is about a 1/2 mile walk from the road, down a railroad track. there is a service road for the construction workers, but it's fenced off too. so the place is pretty geographically isolated, the workers would be suspicious if i just started wandering around out there during a weekday, because it's not the kind of place that you just stumble across, you pretty much already have to know it's there. are there any threads or sites with advice on the best way to approach a construction supervisor? i'm considering this now, although i'm still leaning towards wearing a large hat that covers my face and going at night [last edit 8/13/2007 1:25 PM by io organic industrialism - edited 1 times]

NoSuchPerson Stop, or I'll ask you again! \|	Re: Security cameras at a hydroelectric facility. They are tearing down a dam and I need advice on how safe it is to walk around one of the buildings with security cameras <Reply # 8 on 8/13/2007 1:26 PM >

	Also, is it not a felony to take pictures of electric generation stations while the country is at war? I seem to recall reading that somewhere. Unit calling radio say again?

io organic industrialism \|	Re: Security cameras at a hydroelectric facility. They are tearing down a dam and I need advice on how safe it is to walk around one of the buildings with security cameras <Reply # 9 on 8/13/2007 1:38 PM >

	a felony? maybe i've gotten myself in too deep. i figured AT MOST i'd get misdemeanor tresspasing anyway, here is a satellite layout of the place, so you can get an idea of the geographic isolation. orange = the main road red = the railroad blue = the service road, gated off green = the facility [last edit 8/13/2007 1:39 PM by io organic industrialism - edited 1 times]

saturdayskids location: Pittsburgh, PA Gender: Male \| \|	Re: Security cameras at a hydroelectric facility. They are tearing down a dam and I need advice on how safe it is to walk around one of the buildings with security cameras <Reply # 10 on 8/13/2007 2:05 PM >

	"I have a dark colored druidic cloak that would be good for hiding in shadows, which I have considered wearing during the night mission." Funniest thing I've heard in a while

tribeachpunk location: Halifax, NS Gender: Male \| \|	Re: Security cameras at a hydroelectric facility. They are tearing down a dam and I need advice on how safe it is to walk around one of the buildings with security cameras <Reply # 11 on 8/13/2007 2:23 PM >

	Ask for permission. Halifax UrbEx (Blog) \|\|\| Atlantic Canada Urban Exploration Facebook Group

io organic industrialism

Posted by saturdayskids
"I have a dark colored druidic cloak that would be good for hiding in shadows, which I have considered wearing during the night mission."

Funniest thing I've heard in a while

haha, laugh all you want. that's why i'm posting in the rookie forum. i think i've played too many thief games

io organic industrialism \|	Re: Security cameras at a hydroelectric facility. They are tearing down a dam and I need advice on how safe it is to walk around one of the buildings with security cameras <Reply # 13 on 8/14/2007 2:30 PM >

	so .... nobody thinks i should actually do it? cuz i'm gonna do it, regardless. so i just need to formulate a good plan. my girlfriend leans heavily towards me doing it during the day. she says to dress up in a business suit with a clipboard and write down stuff while i'm out there. i dunno

saturdayskids location: Pittsburgh, PA Gender: Male \| \|	Re: Security cameras at a hydroelectric facility. They are tearing down a dam and I need advice on how safe it is to walk around one of the buildings with security cameras <Reply # 14 on 8/14/2007 2:55 PM >

	Everything in every post here makes me laugh. Can we be friends? You seem awesome

io organic industrialism

Posted by saturdayskids
Everything in every post here makes me laugh. Can we be friends? You seem awesome

i read your post yesterday about the alarm on the school, and also how blackhawk tore you up about it and honestly i'm not sure why he acted that way

saturdayskids location: Pittsburgh, PA Gender: Male \| \|	Re: Security cameras at a hydroelectric facility. They are tearing down a dam and I need advice on how safe it is to walk around one of the buildings with security cameras <Reply # 16 on 8/14/2007 3:58 PM >

	I can, I was new (still am) and being stupid. But the other one, the Furnace topic I made in the NE section, he didn't have a good reason.

blackhawk

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Posted by saturdayskids
I can, I was new (still am) and being stupid. But the other one, the Furnace topic I made in the NE section, he didn't have a good reason.

Why? What? Don't play coy.

Just when I thought I was out... they pulled me back in.

seicer

location:
New York
Gender: Male

Posted by io organic industrialism
so .... nobody thinks i should actually do it?

cuz i'm gonna do it, regardless.

so i just need to formulate a good plan.

my girlfriend leans heavily towards me doing it during the day. she says to dress up in a business suit with a clipboard and write down stuff while i'm out there.

By all means, please disregard any comments or helpful suggestions we made to you. You know, like asking for legal permission, especially at a location such as this. It may be owned by the Army Corps of Engineers, and they are not fun to deal with.

As for the plan, by all means, share it with us!

And for the business suit and clipboard... I guess I'll be reading about you on Fark soon

Abandoned

Glass location: Chicago as one does \| \|	Re: Security cameras at a hydroelectric facility. They are tearing down a dam and I need advice on how safe it is to walk around one of the buildings with security cameras <Reply # 19 on 8/14/2007 5:11 PM >

	Talk, talk, talk. I think you should go for it. Despite a pointedly softcore slew of advice, hundreds of people go into active and semi-active power plants all the time. It's not a big deal, and I wouldn't worry about terror. What I would worry about, though, is how you're going in. Many counties received funds from the feds to beef up security, and most of the plants I've visited lately seem to be using a motion-activated video camera system. If they have one security camera monitoring the parking lot of the building, they probably don't have jack security for the inside.

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