State police warn of dangers as trespassing surges at abandoned IBM campus in Somers
Police say the property has become a destination for so-called “urbex” — or urban exploration — where people visit and film abandoned locations for platforms like TikTok and YouTube.
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New York State Police are warning of serious safety risks as trespassing incidents rise at the abandoned IBM campus in Somers — a trend fueled in part by social media.
Officials say a recent fire inside the vacant facility on March 30 was intentionally set. The Somers Fire Department confirmed the blaze was not accidental.
Police say the property has become a destination for so-called “urbex” — or urban exploration — where people visit and film abandoned locations for platforms like TikTok and YouTube.
State Police Capt. John Shaughnessy says many of those entering the site are younger individuals who may not fully understand the risks.
He warns the property is filled with hazards, including unstable stairways and exposed electrical systems, which could lead to serious injury or even death.
Authorities say 28 people have been apprehended for trespassing on the campus in the past month alone. Eight of those arrests happened on the same day as the fire, according to the Somers Fire Department.
Police say the majority of those involved are teenagers and have been working with local schools to reinforce the dangers and legal consequences of trespassing.
Officials are urging residents and parents to take the warnings seriously and stay off the property.
