[Ethics, Rules, Observations]
(A list of ethics, rules, observations, and general common
sense)
- Take only pictures,
leave only footprints
This is the single most important law of urban exploration.
Trespassing is illegal. One can, however, make certain compelling
arguments that trespassing is, at times, completely ethical. But when
trespassing is combined with vandalism, theft, or other property abuse, the already
borderline-ethical activity is taken over the edge of justifiability and
on into "Unethical Land."
- Park your vehicle away from your target (and near other
cars)
It is easy to ignore this one, "Oh, there's no one around and it's
cold and I don't want to walk far and we're only going to be here for a
minute, etc., etc." Don't underestimate its importance. I
have, and regretted it later. Why
park far away? Well, for one, in any place that is patrolled by any
means at all
your car will be noticed as "out of place" by the security guard(s)
and immediately investigated. Secondly, any car all by itself parked in front of an
abandoned building will surely arouse anyone's suspicion. Thirdly, what happens
if you set off an alarm in the place or someone calls the cops on you?
It's very difficult to hide from them and pretend you aren't there if
you've got a white Ford Bronco parked in the driveway. My last point is
make sure not only away from the target but also near other cars.
Believe me: if a cop is cruising around and is aware of an abandoned
mental hospital in the area *ahem Cambridge ahem*,
and even if you park well away from your target (but not near any other
cars) they will still suspect you right away. Contrary to what
others might have you believe, cops are smart.
It's now 4:00am, finals week, and I am exhausted. I will add
more to this page at a later date.
