The destruction of an unoccupied building was not considered as arson, since arson protected habitation, the burning of an unoccupied house did not constitute arson.

By the end of the decade the population had increased fivefold, although still with unoccupied building sites which had fine views.

Later, that building exploded, injuring 22 people, destroying the unoccupied building, and damaging 40 other buildings. 57 automobiles in the unoccupied building were damaged or destroyed.

The plan appeals to the trust, which has nearly 4m members, and the government, which wants to unburden itself of some largely unoccupied buildings.

To be sure, some attempted burglaries might not pose a realistic risk of confrontation to anyone, as when the target of the attempted burglary was an unoccupied building.