Dozens of teens detained after breaking into vacant Chandler home to throw party

CHANDLER, Ariz. — Dozens of teenagers were detained Friday night after police say they broke into a vacant home in Chandler and used social media to promote a party inside.

The incident happened May 1 along Folley Place, near Gilbert and Williams Field roads. Video captured by neighbors shows a group of teens gathered outside the home, which has been listed for sale for more than four months on popular real estate websites.

According to Chandler police, officers responded to reports of a burglary and found dozens of teens inside the empty property. Police say the home’s lockbox had been removed to gain access. Once inside, the teens allegedly used Snapchat to advertise the party, drawing more people to the location.

The case highlights a growing concern among some real estate professionals who say vacant homes listed online are becoming targets.

“It’s an ongoing trend with TikTok,” said Adam Bailey, a realtor with RETSY Forbes Global Properties. “Just like the old school way, when parties were passed from hand to hand, now they post a picture of an empty house. It becomes a free playground.”

Bailey says he has seen similar incidents firsthand. Last month, he said teens threw rocks through windows to break into another Chandler home he currently has on the market.

While Bailey believes the problem is becoming more frequent, Chandler police say they do not consider these break-ins to be part of a broader trend in the community.

“I’m advising some of my sellers, if the house is vacant, to make sure there’s internet so we can put cameras in,” Bailey said. “Just to stop anything before it would ever happen.”

In Friday’s case, the teens detained at the scene were questioned and later released to their parents after the homeowner declined to press charges.

Bailey says accountability ultimately starts at home.

“Parents should sit down and say, ‘Think twice before you walk into someone’s home,’” he said. “Because the parents will be held liable once they’re caught.”

You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12+ app! 

The free 12+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like “Today in AZ” and “12 News” and our daily lifestyle program, “Arizona Midday”—on Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV. 

12+  showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona. 

Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives. 

Roku: Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for “12 News KPNX.” 

Amazon Fire TV: Search for “12 News KPNX” to find the free 12+ app to add to your account, or have the 12+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app.