Teens Charged After Trespassing in Rochester Building
Two teenagers were apprehended by police at a vacant East Avenue property.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Property Crime
Police in Rochester charged an 18-year-old from Hilton and a 17-year-old from Greece with criminal trespass and mischief. Authorities allege the teens broke into the vacant RG&E building on East Avenue.
Why it matters
The incident highlights ongoing efforts to secure vacant infrastructure in Rochester. Law enforcement presence remains focused on preventing unauthorized access to unused commercial sites.
The suspects were found on the 11th floor after police cleared 10 floors of the facility. Both individuals received appearance tickets for charges including third-degree criminal trespass and possession of burglary tools.
The players
RG&E
This is a regional utility provider that owns the vacant building on East Avenue where the incident occurred.
The details
The suspects allegedly gained entry by breaking through a fence and locks before removing a window board. Officers recovered a crowbar and bolt cutters from the pair during the encounter.
Timeline
Police were dispatched to the East Avenue building on October 12, 2026.
Legal Context
This incident follows a pattern set by increased monitoring of urban properties identified in the 2024 Rochester city vacant property security audit. The enforcement action reflects broader municipal efforts to maintain safety in dormant industrial and commercial zones.
The arrest serves as a reminder that local authorities are actively patrolling vacant sites to deter property damage. Residents in the East Avenue area should report suspicious activity to help maintain security at unoccupied commercial locations.
The takeaway
Property owners and managers are encouraged to bolster physical security measures to discourage unauthorized entry. Residents should remain vigilant for broken locks or fence tampering at dormant buildings in their neighborhoods.
Further reading
For additional context on local security issues, visit Property Crime.
Source note: This article includes information reported by RochesterFirst.
