Estonian teenagers increasingly break into abandoned and guarded sites

In recent years, the number of social media posts in Estonia showing teenagers competing with one another by entering empty buildings and poorly guarded sites has risen sharply. On one hand, it is a pursuit of adrenaline and popularity; on the other, it often involves vandalism and theft.

What is happening

The videos feature places such as the former Harju County Court building and the vacant Swedbank head office in Tallinn, a winter garden in Viimsi, a nuclear facility in Paldiski and the Levira broadcasting mast in Valgjärve. Another popular location is a huge grain elevator in Tallinn's Hiiu district, abandoned almost 20 years ago. The material is shared in communities of urban exploration, or "urbex", enthusiasts.

In TikTok alone, around 500 accounts on the subject have been opened in Estonia, with thousands of videos, many of which clearly indicate illegal activity. Police have noticed the growing popularity of the movement. Anders Allandi of the police says people start with simple, well-known buildings and then move on to more extreme targets such as masts and rooftops.

Damage and costs

Marko Künnapas of the state property manager Riigi Kinnisvara said its portfolio includes about 600 properties with roughly a thousand buildings. Costs for a single site can run to tens of thousands. After a first publicised break-in, a mass intrusion and destruction often follow, as happened at a former wood-processing plant in Pärnu and a sanatorium in Narva-Jõesuu.

Penalties and dangers

Police admit that only a small share of such cases reaches them. Unlawful entry is a misdemeanour that can bring a fine. If the offender is under 14, the matter usually ends with a talk with the young person and parents. A civil claim for damaged property is possible, and there are physical dangers such as mould and the risk of falls.

Hybrid warfare risk

Videos are also appearing from sites that can be described as vital infrastructure. Specialists say that in the era of hybrid warfare such footage can serve as a source of information, and the daredevils themselves could be used for mischief. Allandi stressed that the threat may be serious.