Parents, do you know where your children are?

Good afternoon,

We are receiving multiple calls on a daily basis about young children and teenagers breaking into abandoned buildings in the local area. These include: damaging fencing, smashing windows and damaging wooden boarding. Even on occasion, broken into buildings they believed were abandoned but were in fact not.

We are aware of the popular social media craze urban exploring or ‘Urbex’ for short and videos being posted on TikTok and other social media platforms from inside abandoned buildings. We have identified some of those involved and will be speaking to them in due course. Parents, do you know where your children are and what they are doing when they are out?.

* Talk openly about the dangers of entering abandoned buildings.
* Remind them that trespassing is an offence and can have long-term consequences.
* Report concerns about unsafe or unsecured buildings to the appropriate authorities.

* Check your child/children's phones and social media accounts.

To reiterate what my colleague has said in a previous message:

Abandoned buildings are not safe environments. They may contain:

* Unstable floors, collapsing ceilings, and hidden shafts
* Exposed wiring and electrical hazards
* Asbestos and other harmful materials
* Broken glass, sharp metal, and hazardous debris
* Open basements or lift shafts
* Unsafe roofing and height-related fall risks
* Drug paraphernalia or other dangerous items

If you know anyone who might be involved then please reply to this message or report it anonymously via Crimestoppers.

Thank you