Thieves are preying on photographers, teenagers and others who are increasingly exploring the sprawling, crumbling and abandoned Packard Plant in Detroit, reports Steve Neavling in his blog, Motor City Muckraker.
Thugs pummeled and robbed two explorers who were traversing the plant to admire art on the factory walls, Neavling writes.
“I am lucky to be here and haven’t stopped thinking about what could have happened,” one of the assault victims, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation, told Neavling. “Despite that fear, I am thankful that I can help keep others safe from harm and, in my own little way, push Detroit toward becoming just as safe as it is amazing.”
The Packard has become even more of a popular destination for graffiti artists, explorers and photographers since March, when the owner, Dominic Cristini, pledged to soon demolish the building. But there’s no evidence that suggests Cristini is making good on his promise. Demolition would costs millions of dollars.
