Somers residents voice concerns about rise in trespassing at abandoned IBM campus
Police say people have been sneaking onto the property to film videos of the abandoned buildings, often posting them online.
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Residents living near the former IBM campus in Somers say the once-thriving property has become a hotspot for trespassers and is a growing safety concern.
“It’s just an absolute shame,” said neighbor Beth Fisher, whose home sits next to the sprawling vacant complex.
Police say people have been sneaking onto the property to film videos of the abandoned buildings, often posting them online. Authorities confirm that about two dozen individuals have been charged in connection with trespassing incidents.
Fisher says the activity has brought vandalism and disruption to the neighborhood.
“The videos show the vandalism...broken windows and graffiti,” she said. “They parked down at the end of my driveway one night.”
Concerns escalated on March 30, when the Somers Volunteer Fire Department responded to a fire inside one of the buildings. Officials say the cause remains under investigation and is considered suspicious.
“I feel bad for our first responders,” said resident Cara Bilbao.
Private security is now patrolling the property around the clock.
