I’m looking to climb my first crane, found the perfect location. Any advice for a first time crane explore? Are there motion detectors on cranes? What kind of legal penalties will you most likely have, if caught?

Thanks in advance!!

Felony, if caught...

It's not a crime everywhere, although if you're in the US or Canada it probably is.

I've never seen an alarm on a crane, but, once again, that could differ from site to site. Sometimes there is a bit of a cage around the base of the crane that a worker could unlock to enter, but they're often scalable.

For your first time, you might want to wear head protection, such as a hardhat found on site or just a bike helmet.

Dress and pack lightly. Don't wear heavy boots. Contrary to what you're expecting, gloves aren't a big help, unless maybe they're climbing gloves that are tight and have a strong grip.

Although I've developed a preference for daytime craning, it's best to go after dark after a shift ends, when there's the maximum amount of time before the next shift. I also think in the US it would probably be good to go up on Thanksgiving or Christmas when it's even less likely anyone will be working.

Do not go during or right after rain.

They might have a security guard near an entrance or something, so definitely find the main gate first and take a quick look. Also could be possible cameras if it’s an active construction site. Every place is different so it really depends where you are. I’ve done several sites around the US and haven’t had any issues, but depends on the company I guess? Also be careful because they’re usually lit up, so you could be easily seen. Also maybe try and invest in a collapsible ladder since like Steed said, they usually have the base locked or surrounded by a wall of some kind.

Best of luck!

Thank you for all the advice you guys. Really appreciate the tips.

Posted by BatsandMines I’m looking to climb my first crane, found the perfect location. Any advice for a first time crane explore? Are there motion detectors on cranes? What kind of legal penalties will you most likely have, if caught? Thanks in advance!!

you a brave mf. I want wings I want to fly I want height but im terrified to climb anything that stands straight up and goes over 20m. I dont trust welds, metal or the craftsmanship enough I don't know why. How do you overcome this lol

I did a few cranes in my teenage years, but if I'm being honest they're not for me. The risk-reward is just too skewed, and you're basically gambling on luck to avoid being spotted, even if you dress in dark clothes and go at night. Not to mention, the civil penalties can be worse than the criminal ones. If you're caught on a crane, the construction company may need to conduct a full inspection to make sure you didn't tamper with anything. That might take a few days, and the restitution can be upwards of $10,000 per day for some construction sites. Rooftops, while requiring infiltrating active buildings, give similar views for less risk.

I haven't scaled a crane, mostly because they're only used in the most densely populated areas of my city. However, the first two concerns come to mind:
1. You can skulk through buildings and overgrowth. You cannot skulk up the side of a crane. Assuming it's in a populated area, someone will see you. Whether they care or not will depend on whether or not they know you aren't supposed to be there.
2. Climbing gear. Plan to lose all your grip and have some sort harness and three points of limb contact at all times.

Posted by SaskStalker I haven't scaled a crane, mostly because they're only used in the most densely populated areas of my city. However, the first two concerns come to mind: 1. You can skulk through buildings and overgrowth. You cannot skulk up the side of a crane. Assuming it's in a populated area, someone will see you. Whether they care or not will depend on whether or not they know you aren't supposed to be there. 2. Climbing gear. Plan to lose all your grip and have some sort harness and three points of limb contact at all times.

What if you did the whole construction get up? It sounds stupid but if you put a vest and hardhat on with a nice pair of dickies do you think any civilians would think your as trespasser?

Posted by MrBungle What if you did the whole construction get up? It sounds stupid but if you put a vest and hardhat on with a nice pair of dickies do you think any civilians would think your as trespasser?

They'd probably think something was off about anybody climbing a crane in the middle of the night tbh.

Posted by mookster They'd probably think something was off about anybody climbing a crane in the middle of the night tbh.

Oh true lol, I suppose I was thinking more in that time period between when everyone leaves and nightfall, assuming that's a possibility.

Posted by MrBungle What if you did the whole construction get up? It sounds stupid but if you put a vest and hardhat on with a nice pair of dickies do you think any civilians would think your as trespasser?

If you're climbing inside the caged ladder area where employees should be, sure, but I don't know how you're getting access to that because they specifically lock these off to keep you out. If you're climbing the side, no. That's warning bells for anyone.

And it's not always guaranteed. A guy in my city was busted breaking into trucks and stealing tools near a construction site while wearing a hardhat and high-vis vest. Just his demeanour of looking around and not at least appearing to be doing an actual job and "working" in the dark was enough to make people suspicious.

Alternatively, dressing the part could ruin your plausible deniability if you're caught. Hard to say you just took a wrong turn or got lost if you're wearing a deliberate disguise. Unless you are a construction worker somewhere else, giving you an alibi.

Posted by SaskStalker If you're climbing inside the caged ladder area where employees should be, sure, but I don't know how you're getting access to that because they specifically lock these off to keep you out. If you're climbing the side, no. That's warning bells for anyone. And it's not always guaranteed. A guy in my city was busted breaking into trucks and stealing tools near a construction site while wearing a hardhat and high-vis vest. Just his demeanour of looking around and not at least appearing to be doing an actual job and "working" in the dark was enough to make people suspicious. Alternatively, dressing the part could ruin your plausible deniability if you're caught. Hard to say you just took a wrong turn or got lost if you're wearing a deliberate disguise. Unless you are a construction worker somewhere else, giving you an alibi.

Noted! Yeah this kind of completely crushed that hypothetical. Thanks for giving good ass reasons to not do this though! I suppose it'd just be better to go dressed in black at night to avoid prying eyes?

Unfortunately I don't have any advice to offer, but I just had to say I love your name! Mr. Bungle is a hilariously awesome band

Posted by MrBungle I suppose it'd just be better to go dressed in black at night to avoid prying eyes?

This is a bad idea. You'll stand out as a silhouette. Usually greys and navy blue are better.

Suppose it depends on what state or country its in, for local laws. UK you could possible get of with ticking off/ slap on wrists. Told to piss off or fined and taken to court with restraining order to stay of the companies property in future.

Some cranes have alarms here, again not always guess depends how much trouble the company has with people trespassing on it.

Don't really do them done a few

Titan




2 x 65 Tone Dock cranes




New Bridge now complete when under construction wind was howling so did not venture further


Sister bridges

Posted by Steed This is a bad idea. You'll stand out as a silhouette. Usually greys and navy blue are better.

Noted! That does seem like a great way to blend in with night tones rather than just being a black figure.

When considering the color of your clothing, such as blue, black, or gray, it is of little consequence if you plan to climb cranes in the Twin Cities, particularly in downtown Minneapolis or Saint Paul. Due to the combination of streetlamps and the lights emanating from high-rise buildings surrounding the crane, it is difficult to blend in and remain unnoticed. Climbing a crane will certainly draw attention if someone is observing it.
Fortunately, being spotted on the crane is likely to be the least of your concerns. Individuals in downtown areas after dark are often either fatigued commuters eager to get home or crackheads. Neither group is likely to care about the presence of a crane or the individuals climbing it. However, if you start climbing a crane in front of someone waiting at a bus stop or train station, they are likely to call the police because wtf are you doing?
The key to success is to be stealthy and wait until the area is clear before proceeding. The primary danger lies in tripping motion sensors or cameras. If detected, authorities will be notified and may search the area, particularly if it is a large, prominent construction site in the middle of downtown.
Construction and security companies often fail to take adequate measures to secure cranes. The ring around the crane's base, designed to prevent unauthorized access, is often poorly constructed. Typically secured with a no. 3 or no. 5 master lock, these locks are incredibly easy to pick. Furthermore, virtually every construction site has ladders lying around that can be used to scale the ring around the base of the crane.
If picking the lock at the base is not an option due to motion sensors or cameras, scaling the ring using a scavenged ladder is the next best alternative. Once inside the crane mast, the type of crane and the operator's attention to security will determine whether you will need to bypass more security measures before reaching the top.
For some cranes, accessing the boom (the top) may require passing through the cabin. The latch that provides access to the cabin and, subsequently, the boom is almost always locked, often with a no. 3 or no. 5 master lock, which is easy to pick, even for novice lock pickers. These types of cranes are typically smaller and located at local university' construction sites. (for example)
Larger cranes found at prominent downtown construction sites will most likely have separate cabins and booms, which means you won't have to pass through the cabin to reach the boom. In terms of lock security, a section of the bigger crane's mast may have a blocked ladder secured with a latch, which is also likely to be secured by a no. 3 or no. 5 master lock. However, this obstacle should not deter any experienced trespasser worth their salt as it's a pitiful security measure.

* Before attempting to climb a crane, I would highly recommend becoming familiar with the no3 and no5 master locks and to conduct your own research on the use of motion sensors and cameras to secure construction sites. Getting caught by the authorities while climbing a crane is a serious matter that should not be taken lightly. Although exhilarating and fun as shit, the risks and dangers associated with this activity should not be underestimated nor brushed to the side. *

Posted by MrBungle Noted! That does seem like a great way to blend in with night tones rather than just being a black figure.

I hope this helps MrBungle.
Maybe catch ya on a crane sometime, somewhere in the cities.

Posted by Pete-P When considering the color of your clothing, such as blue, black, or gray, it is of little consequence if you plan to climb cranes in the Twin Cities, particularly in downtown Minneapolis or Saint Paul. Due to the combination of streetlamps and the lights emanating from high-rise buildings surrounding the crane, it is difficult to blend in and remain unnoticed. Climbing a crane will certainly draw attention if someone is observing it. Fortunately, being spotted on the crane is likely to be the least of your concerns. Individuals in downtown areas after dark are often either fatigued commuters eager to get home or crackheads. Neither group is likely to care about the presence of a crane or the individuals climbing it. However, if you start climbing a crane in front of someone waiting at a bus stop or train station, they are likely to call the police because wtf are you doing? The key to success is to be stealthy and wait until the area is clear before proceeding. The primary danger lies in tripping motion sensors or cameras. If detected, authorities will be notified and may search the area, particularly if it is a large, prominent construction site in the middle of downtown. Construction and security companies often fail to take adequate measures to secure cranes. The ring around the crane's base, designed to prevent unauthorized access, is often poorly constructed. Typically secured with a no. 3 or no. 5 master lock, these locks are incredibly easy to pick. Furthermore, virtually every construction site has ladders lying around that can be used to scale the ring around the base of the crane. If picking the lock at the base is not an option due to motion sensors or cameras, scaling the ring using a scavenged ladder is the next best alternative. Once inside the crane mast, the type of crane and the operator's attention to security will determine whether you will need to bypass more security measures before reaching the top. For some cranes, accessing the boom (the top) may require passing through the cabin. The latch that provides access to the cabin and, subsequently, the boom is almost always locked, often with a no. 3 or no. 5 master lock, which is easy to pick, even for novice lock pickers. These types of cranes are typically smaller and located at local university' construction sites. (for example) Larger cranes found at prominent downtown construction sites will most likely have separate cabins and booms, which means you won't have to pass through the cabin to reach the boom. In terms of lock security, a section of the bigger crane's mast may have a blocked ladder secured with a latch, which is also likely to be secured by a no. 3 or no. 5 master lock. However, this obstacle should not deter any experienced trespasser worth their salt as it's a pitiful security measure. * Before attempting to climb a crane, I would highly recommend becoming familiar with the no3 and no5 master locks and to conduct your own research on the use of motion sensors and cameras to secure construction sites. Getting caught by the authorities while climbing a crane is a serious matter that should not be taken lightly. Although exhilarating and fun as shit, the risks and dangers associated with this activity should not be underestimated nor brushed to the side. *

Wow, I seriously appreciate this in depth response and will be looking into those security measures for construction sites. Glad you know exactly what Minneapolis is like lol. Not wrong with the crackhead point at all.

I'm glad my assumptions we're kind of correct with what kind of security measures and crane setup Minneapolis would have in place.

This was seriously helpful, Hard part is finding a good location that wont end up in my ass in jail.

Glad to see another Minnesotan