DAWGS Vacant Property Security was recently contacted by local media in Louisiana to provide perspective following a tragic incident at an unsecured vacant commercial property in New Orleans. Many cities like New Orleans have properties that have been vacant for years and subject to countless trespassing violations. (The Esplanade Mall, which closed in 2021 after Hurricane Ida, has had over 100 incidents involving over 76 arrests.)
While this incident in Louisiana has sparked important conversations about safety and accountability, it also highlights a broader trend that many property owners may not fully appreciate.
Across the country, vacant buildings are increasingly attracting “urban explorers,” individuals who enter abandoned schools, malls, factories, office buildings, hospitals, and other vacant properties in search of adventure, photography opportunities, social media content, or simply the thrill of accessing places most people never see. Law enforcement agencies in cities such as Cleveland and Minneapolis have publicly warned about the growing popularity of urban exploring, citing safety concerns, repeat trespassing incidents, and the influence of social media in encouraging people to enter dangerous structures. [news5cleveland.com], [mprnews.org]
For property owners, this trend creates risks that extend far beyond vandalism or theft.
Vacant buildings were once viewed primarily as targets for copper theft, graffiti, and property damage. Today, many are becoming “destinations”. A single social media post, viral video, or online discussion can draw unauthorized visitors from miles away. Once a vacant property develops a reputation as an easy or tempting place to access, keeping people out often becomes significantly more difficult.
The reality is that most vacant buildings contain hazards that are not immediately obvious from the outside. Deteriorating stairwells, unstable floors, exposed electrical systems, open shafts, environmental hazards, and structural damage can turn a routine trespassing incident into a serious injury or worse.
For municipalities, receivers, asset managers, and property owners, the rise of urban exploring presents an important question: Is your vacant property truly secured, or does it simply appear secure from the street?
In an era where social media can turn an abandoned building into an attraction overnight, proactive vacant property security has become as much about protecting people as it is about protecting property. If you have an at-risk vacant property you’d like to secure, contact DAWGS today.
