Debate: Should you call the cops or handle it yourself when you find squatters?

I was exploring the old Galleria in Tulsa (the one with the huge broken skylight) and walked into a former Foot Locker to find a full camping setup with a propane stove still warm. I hightailed it out of there, but now I'm torn between calling the police and potentially killing the vibe for the rest of us explorers. What would you do in that spot?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_lucas12d ago

The old Galleria has like a dozen security cameras still running on backup generators, so the cops probably already know about that Foot Locker setup. I'm with @the_jason on this one, calling them in just makes it harder for people who are already down on their luck. Let those folks keep their warm stove and you keep your exploring freedom.

the_jason12d ago

Hear me out but calling the cops is the worst move here. You're talking about a dead mall that everyone knows is abandoned, right? Those guys are probably just trying to get by without freezing to death. Cops show up, they're getting trespassing charges at best, but more likely they'll get run through the system and lose whatever stability they've scraped together. Plus you're calling in a favor with the police that could backfire on you if they decide to start watching the place more closely. Leave the stove warm and let them keep their spot, it's not like they're hurting anyone in that empty Foot Locker.

-1