Howell Township, NJ – The Xscape theater in Howell was a promising new movie theater complex that brought the theater closer to residents of Howell and Jackson, but unfortunately, timing was against the project.
Not only did it open as home video streaming was growing in leaps and bounds, but it also opened just a few years before one of America’s biggest theater-killing moments, the COVID-19 pandemic and the Phil Murphy shutdowns.
The Howell Township Police Department is warning residents to stay out of the abandoned Xscape Movie Theatre on Route 9, saying the vacant property has become a frequent target for break-ins, criminal mischief and trespassing since closing five years ago.
@.etamar Xscape movie theater #howell #nj ♬ original sound – Etamar
According to a statement released by the department Thursday, the theater has remained vacant since its closure and has required repeated efforts by property management to secure the building. Despite reinforced entry points and other security measures, police said unauthorized individuals—primarily juveniles—continue finding ways to gain access.
The trend of abandoned home and business videos—popularly known as “urbex” (urban exploration) content—involves creators filming inside decaying, forgotten, or off-limits properties. Driven by curiosity, nostalgia, and a craving for real-life suspense, this genre thrives across platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram
In some cases, creators have permission from the owners, but in many cases, such as the Howell incident, they are trespassing on private property, and perhaps even breaking and entering, both crimes in New Jersey.
Police cite safety risks inside abandoned theater
Authorities stressed that entering the former movie theater is both illegal and dangerous because of the extensive deterioration throughout the property.
“Entering this building is both dangerous and illegal,” the Howell Township Police Department said in its public advisory. “Due to the extensive damage throughout the property, anyone who enters is exposed to significant safety hazards.”
The department added that individuals caught trespassing or damaging the property “may face serious criminal charges.”
TikTok videos drawing more trespassers
Police said videos posted on social media platforms, including TikTok, have increased attention on the abandoned theater by showing juveniles inside the building.
According to the department, those posts have encouraged additional people to illegally enter the property despite the known hazards and repeated police warnings.
Officials are urging parents to discuss the risks with their children and emphasize both the legal consequences of trespassing and the dangers posed by the deteriorating structure.
Theater has been closed since 2020
The Xscape Movie Theatre, located along Route 9 in Howell Township, opened in 2016 before permanently closing in 2020. Since then, the vacant building has become the site of repeated trespassing complaints and property crimes.
The Howell Township Police Department said property owners have continued working to secure the building, but unauthorized entries remain an ongoing problem.
Abandoned commercial properties can present significant hazards, including unstable structures, broken glass, exposed electrical systems and other unsafe conditions. Police hope the public warning will discourage additional trespassing incidents before someone is seriously injured.
