New York police are investigating multiple videos showing groups of men entering and climbing out of the city's sewer system across Brooklyn and Queens, believed to be searching for valuables or exploring underground tunnels [1, 2]. Authorities describe the men as "treasure hunters" or urban explorers who have been spotted at various locations in recent months.
No arrests or injuries have been reported in connection with these incidents, and police stated their Emergency Services Unit officers recently entered the sewer system without encountering any threats or damage [1, 2]. The first reported activity occurred on May 5 in Astoria, Queens, when residents saw several people open a sewer maintenance hole near 20th Avenue and 36th Street around 2 a.m. [2].
On a night in late June, police were alerted around 11 p.m. to the Gravesend neighborhood, where eight people were seen removing a sewer maintenance hole cover and entering the system, resurfacing about three hours later [2]. Roughly two hours after the Gravesend incident, authorities received a report of about seven people entering a sewer near Heyward Street and Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg. They resurfaced around 2.5 hours later and left the scene in a car [2].
Resident Aki Jakupovic described seeing the groups, noting, "Three random guys walking around in a strange suit, open the sewer, go in like Ninja Turtles" [2].
The city's Department of Environmental Protection warned that entering the sewers is illegal and poses serious hazards. A spokesperson said, "Entering the sewer system is both illegal and extremely dangerous. Sewers can contain numerous hazards, including noxious and potentially deadly gases, unstable surfaces, flooding risks, and confined spaces" [1].
Police continue to monitor reports of unauthorized entry into the sewer system as a public safety concern. No further incidents have been reported since late June.
