Harrison Lilley – Staff Writer
hjl5363@psu.edu

When you think of Penn State Behrend, you would likely think that the worst criminal activity that occurs at Behrend on a regular basis are summary offenses, such as public drunkeness, possession of marajuana, underage drinking, and disorderly conduct.

However, a recent pattern of criminal activity at the former Kanty Prep property at Penn State Behrend has become a serious problem over the last few weeks. The number of incidents have been soaring well above normal, and has become a source of frustration for Penn State University Police & Public Safety, and University administration. Nine incidents of trespassing at the Kanty Property have occurred since February 10, according to Penn State University Police and Public Safety, and trespassing has been reported to have occurred as recently as March 15. 

According to Penn State University Police & Public Safety’s online Daily Crime and Fire Log, no arrests have been made in any of the incidents, but all of the incidents are under the case disposition of Not Cleared. No arrests have been made in any of the incidents.

The buildings at the Kanty Property where the trespassing issues are occurring was a NovaCare center, but are no longer in use. This buildings has become a hotspot for trespassing, and part of this issue is possibly being caused by online posts that focus on the exploration of buildings that are not in use. “We have seen an increase in activity at the former Kanty Prep School property, including vacant buildings that once housed a NovaCare rehabilitation center. We believe some of that traffic is being driven by recent posts to message boards and apps dedicated to buildings that no longer are in use.” Robb Frederick, Associate Director of News and Information at Penn State Behrend said. The Kanty Property is located along Shannon Road and E 38th Street.

A YouTube video shows the buildings in extremely poor condition, where there is no electricity, exposed studs, broken mirrors, graffiti, and objects on the floor. While these characteristics might make the buildings desirable for people to explore the buildings, these conditions show how the buildings are in extremely poor condition, and highlights the danger that the buildings pose to trespassers.

People need to realize that the buildings are blocked off and have anti-trespassing signs for a reason, according to Frederick. Trespassers could be seriously injured or even killed due to the current condition that the buildings is in.

“Penn State Behrend owns the property, and University Police and Public Safety regularly patrol the area. Those patrols have increased in recent weeks. Students and others should not enter the former NovaCare buildings.”, Frederick said.