Police stepping up patrols at abandoned Northville Psychiatric Hospital

Big tickets being issued to those who trespass

NORTHVILLE TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Some think it's haunted and others are just looking to explore, but either way, you'll be fined $500 if police catch you at the former Northville Psychiatric Hospital site.

"We know there is asbestos free floating at the site. There are shards of glass and holes in the floor. It is a very unsafe site," Northville Director of Public Safety Todd Mutchler said.

So far this year, Mutchler's officers have netted 300 people trespassing on the property. In addition to the $500 fine, some of the judges are requiring those busted to post on social media about being ticketed as part of their punishment.

The site is gated, and clearly marked no trespassing. Mutchler said even the $500 ticket for some isn't enough of a deterrent.

"Based on the number of people who have come back for a second time, I don't know that $500 works. We've arrested people who have been previous customers," he said.

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