What is the Alethiometer doing here?

[of_all_trades]

When the spell was cast Franklyn expected it to lead them to some sort of wilderness, maybe even the ocean if they are unlucky.

The spell pointed then to a city, and Franklyn was afraid that the Alethiometer had a owner, likely some rich dude that kept it a secret for any number of reasons.

But he and his sisters are approaching the Alethiometer location and it is very bad neighborhood, half the buildings are dark, either empty or without electricity.

It is too late to come turn around now, he is nervous to come forward, but they need to check.

What the Alethiometer is doing here?