Blocking access under the stage

Chuck some cat s*it/other smelly substance. in. That will deter them.

How are the teenagers getting access to the access? Seems to me that if they have access to an area that allows them to use tools to remove a 2 x 4 or if they just ripped the 2 x 4 out without being seen/heard, then you need to figure out a way to secure *that* area. You know the old warning about "once they get into the garage, they can spend all the time they need getting into the house, therefore you need to secure the garage".

Aside from that....

If the configuration is right, you could drill through the studs sideways and put horizontal pipes through the holes with a lock on the end. Once the lock is removed, the pipe would slide out for access. The last stud would only be drilled halfway through to accept the unlocked end of the pipe.

Not having a clear picture of the entire layout, it's a little hard to be more specific. Seems like even a piece of plywood or lattice with enough screws in it would make it inconvenient for the teenagers who probably don't want to spend too much time or make too much noise sneaking in.

Maybe get one of these:

If you want to have some fun, rig up a system that lets them in but doesn't let them out. Leave them a old cell phone and a phone number to call so they aren't trapped for too long. That ought to deter any future transgressions.

On the other hand, I just can't imagine that teenagers in a church would be doing anything wrong. I mean, when I was in the Teen Club at my church we never did...oh...wait...yes we did. Boy oh boy, did we ever!

If it's in a church the kids should know that heaven is up and hell is down. Make it hellish for them to get in, or be in, there.

Hmm. I'd not thought of the pipes and padlock bit. Have to see if that might work.

Most of the area under the stage, has nailed on plywood over the bays. Flooring ring nails, maybe. I'd thought of wardrobe shelving or lattice, to cover the opening.

Thanks for some good ideas.

Christopher A. Young Learn more about Jesus

If the configuration is right, you could drill through the studs sideways and put horizontal pipes through the holes with a lock on the end. Once the lock is removed, the pipe would slide out for access. The last stud would only be drilled halfway through to accept the unlocked end of the pipe.

Not having a clear picture of the entire layout, it's a little hard to be more specific. Seems like even a piece of plywood or lattice with enough screws in it would make it inconvenient for the teenagers who probably don't want to spend too much time or make too much noise sneaking in.

I've tried, for sure.

Christopher A. Young Learn more about Jesus

If it's in a church the kids should know that heaven is up and hell is down. Make it hellish for them to get in, or be in, there.

It's that liberal mentality, they're evil doers.

Their actions are clearly from listening to Obumer

Anyone can get in anywhere if they really want to:(

So secure the area as best as possible.....

Put a motion detector light and camera to monitor the area, Add a motion detector inside the secure area

If everything else is glued and screwed or nailed and this is the only area that they can gain easy access to, then go with heave plywood panel with security screws (thinking the torx type with the pine requiring a hollow driver bit?). If four of them will do the job, then use 25 and make them work at it. Maintenance has the bit and an electric driver so that should not bug them as much as going under and picking up the used condoms

If they still get in, find some glass wool insulation batting and strip the facing from about 20' of it so it's nice and loose. Give them something "comfy" to sit/lay on. If they DO get in and use the space, just look for the ones with the itchy private parts and have a chat with them.

Please try this link:

Should take you to a couple photos, to see what I see.

Christopher A. Young Learn more about Jesus

You're looking for a mechanical solution to avoid having to address a human behavior problem.

It's doomed to failure. You're just going to challenge smart kids to outthink you.

Your link wants me to create or sign in to a yahoo account. I don't have one and I don't want one.

I don't have that much budget to work with.

Christopher A. Young Learn more about Jesus

Anyone can get in anywhere if they really want to:(

So secure the area as best as possible.....

Put a motion detector light and camera to monitor the area, Add a motion detector inside the secure area

Already happened once.... I did put a stud in the bay, and they took it out.

Christopher A. Young Learn more about Jesus

You're looking for a mechanical solution to avoid having to address a human behavior problem.

It's doomed to failure. You're just going to challenge smart kids to outthink you.

Bother. I thought I had the settings on that group so that the archives were open to the public at large. I didn't think it would do the Yahoo account routine. Sorry about that. And, thanks for telling me what happened.

Christopher A. Young Learn more about Jesus

Your link wants me to create or sign in to a yahoo account. I don't have one and I don't want one.

That's why locks and keys were invented.

And, yes, people still break in.

Christopher A. Young Learn more about Jesus

You're looking for a mechanical solution to avoid having to address a human behavior problem.

It's doomed to failure. You're just going to challenge smart kids to outthink you.

Top post often?

It's still dumb trying to engineer your way out of this one. There must be a youth director who has rapport with teens, talk to them.

Explain to them WHY they shouldn't be in there. If your reason is a good one, they'll honor it. If it is not, then you're wrong to keep them out.

If you insist on engineering it, don't block access. Remove ALL the covering so whatever they do is exposed to view.

What, perform a school massacre?

I had a similar problem with the Yahoo Group photos. I actually have a Yahoo ID but didn't want to have to submit it to get to a site or group that I don't know about.

Maybe you could try one of the following photo upload sites (I use the first one):

t be a youth director who has rapport with teens, talk to them.

od one, they'll honor it.  If it is not, then you're wrong to keep them o ut.

vering so whatever they do is exposed to view.

Find some homeless person to occupy the space in return for chasing the kids away.