Abandoned Warehouse Draws Scrap Metal Scavengers
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MODESTO (CBS13) -- Scavengers are tearing apart an abandoned warehouse for scrap metal without fear of intervention from law enforcement.
The Stanislaus County Sheriff's investigators said the 125,000-square foot structure, once owned by Indalex, Inc., is tied up in bankruptcy court in another state. Without a property owner in California, arrests would lead nowhere.
Word spread quickly throughout town, and metal scrappers now spend hours each day tearing down as much as they can carry. One scavenger, who simply identified himself as "Robert," took down and hauled away a heavy metal tank on Wednesday, netting himself about $80.
It's worth the effort "when you're hungry," Robert said, who added that he didn't believe he was committing a crime on the North Star Way property.
"I thought we were doing them a favor by cleaning it up," he said. "Somebody's gotta clean this mess up."
People who work in the area said they have unpleasant run-ins each day with scavengers and warn others to stay clear of the area.
Indalex is facing an investigation from the Environmental Protection Agency over hazardous waste it allegedly left behind at the warehouse.
