Damage

I recently came across an issue as to whether it was OK to do damage in derelict buildings, as they're not being used for anything anymore. Anyone care to opine?

I would say definitely not. You would almost definitely be guilty of trespassing at the very least.

How exactly is this related to photography?

Surely the person to ask is the owner of the land and buildings.

Why do you want to damage derelict buildings? If you want to take pictures to show the state they're in, you should leave it the same way you found it, so other people can have the same opportunity you did.

Two posts, both identical. Very odd.

However no it is not OK to damage a derelict building. You are probably trespassing, and certainly committing criminal damage if you do. Now you may not get caught for it but does that make it right?

A strange question, made twice, for no apparent reason.

Of course it's not OK to do damage to any building, abandoned or not.

Very strange first post !!!

No, definitely not. Just because it's "derelict" doesn't mean a preservation group won't be trying to save it. I'm always uneasy when I see photos captioned "train graveyard" or similar as they usually show the restoration queue on a preserved railway. That rusty coach may well be the last of its type, waiting its turn for a full rebuild. The weather does enough damage without idiots thinking it's ok to trash it just because it appears abandoned!

You should also point out to the individual asking the original question that as well as the risk of prosecution they would also run a serious risk of personal injury or death. Many abandoned buildings are less than structurally perfect to begin with, bashing things around would be very likely to cause a collapse.

I will tell you the same thing I tell my kids....
"If it's not yours... Kepp your F'N hands off it!!!"
seriously.... take pictures, fine but leave thingss as you found them.

I smell a troll. I hope I'm wrong.

Even if it was 'OK' to do so, I can't imagine the mentality of people who would want to...

Naff saying but good -

Take only photos, leave only footprints.

Well seeing as it was a provocative first post I think so too...

Would be weird...

One thing though - a troll gets their kicks from posting a controversial topic then watching a forum explode. So far we've all been in agreement and I can't see anyone disagreeing with the premise that wanton destruction is ethically wrong (and illegal in the scenario described).

You meet allsorts of strange folke on these forums

If you can not take pictures of ANY building without defacing it or doing ANY damage you better stop taking pictures.
However, I too can smell a troll.