April 17, 2008

 

VACANT HOMES AND BUILDINGS

Due to a rise in the number of reports of persons entering vacant homes and commercial buildings, individuals are urged to keep an eye on such homes in your neighborhood. Report any suspicious or unusual activity by calling the Police non-emergency telephone number: 703-792-6500. 

The information below is intended for children, teens and adults who may be considering “hanging out” in such homes and buildings.

Q: Is it ok to ‘hang out’ in a house or building that is vacant because no one lives there?

A: NO. Even if no one is living in the house, someone still owns the house/building and you would be committing a crime.

Depending on the circumstances of the event and the investigation you could be charged with the following crimes:

• Burglary – a felony crime punishable by a term of imprisonment of one to 20 years or, in the discretion of the jury or the court trying the case without a jury, be confined in jail for a period not exceeding 12 months or fined not more than $2,500, either or both.

• Trespassing or Unlawful Entry – a misdemeanor crime which is punishable by confinement in jail for not more than 12 months and a fine of not more than $2,500, either or both.

• Destruction of Personal Property - If the value of property destroyed is less than $1,000 it is a class 1 misdemeanor punishable by confinement in jail for not more than 12 months and a fine of not more than $2,500, either or both.  If the value of property destroyed is greater than $1,000 it is a class 6 felony which is punishable by a term of imprisonment of one to five years, or in the discretion of the jury or the court trying the case without a jury, confinement in jail for not more than 12 months and a fine of not more than $2,500, either or both.

In addition to the above crimes you could face additional charges – based on the circumstances and your behavior / activities – such as curfew violations, alcohol or drug violations, etc.

Think twice before entering a vacant building!