DANGER ZONES: CONDEMNED HOUSES BECOMING HOTSPOTS FOR CRIME!

Abandoned homes are turning into crime scenes, and the latest string of break-ins in Portsmouth proves just how dangerous these vacant properties can be. From armed intruders to scrap metal thieves, police were busy chasing trespassers out of condemned buildings—all in just one day! Gun-Toting Trespassers on Vinton Avenue At 2 a.m., officers were called to a condemned home on Vinton Avenue after security footage showed intruders inside—one reportedly carrying a gun. By the time police arrived, the suspects had vanished, but the danger was clear. Code Enforcement was notified, and officials returned later in the morning to board up the property before it became a crime scene again. Burned-Out House Becomes a Hideout Later that evening, police responded to a call about people inside a condemned, burnt-out home on 7th Street. This time, they found their man. Officers arrested David Hudson for criminal trespass, adding to his already lengthy rap sheet, which includes drug abuse, disorderly conduct, and child endangerment. Scrap Metal Scavengers on Walnut Street As the night went on, officers were back on the move—this time, to Walnut Street, where suspicious activity had neighbors on edge. A group of trespassers was caught stripping scrap metal from the property, but they quickly returned it and left when police arrived. Just a day earlier, police had already secured the property after discovering another trespasser lurking in the backyard with a shopping cart. The Real Danger of Condemned Homes These incidents aren’t just a nuisance—they pose serious risks to public safety. Vacant homes attract criminals, drug activity, fires, and even squatters who put themselves and the neighborhood in danger. Structural Hazards: Many abandoned homes are unstable, posing risks of collapse or injury to anyone who enters. Drug Dens: These locations often become hubs for illegal activity, including drug use and trafficking. Increased Crime: Vacant buildings become hotspots for theft, vandalism, and even violent crime. How to Secure Abandoned Properties Property owners and communities must take action to prevent these homes from turning into crime magnets. Here’s what can be done: ✔️ Board Up Doors & Windows: Plywood barriers can keep criminals out. ✔️ Install Security Cameras: Motion-activated cameras can deter trespassers. ✔️ Work with Law Enforcement: Report suspicious activity immediately. ✔️ Secure Metal & Valuables: Thieves often target scrap metal, copper wiring, and appliances. ✔️ Push for Demolition: If a house is beyond repair, city officials should be urged to remove it. See Something? Say Something! If you spot suspicious activity around abandoned homes, call local law enforcement immediately. Keeping these properties secured can protect both residents and first responders from unnecessary danger. What do you think? Should more be done to secure condemned homes before they become crime scenes? Let us know!

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