Abandoned buildings warning amid safety fears

Police have warned people about the "highly dangerous" activity of entering abandoned buildings following a series of incidents.

A Facebook post from Brixham Police said it had received reports of young people entering derelict buildings in Torbay.

Police said they believed the incidents were part of a trend of urban exploration where people entered abandoned locations for historic interest and to photograph the sites.

However, the force said the activity was considered vandalism and urged people not to do it as it could put them and others at risk of danger.

In their post, Brixham Police said: "Breaking into abandoned buildings is highly dangerous.

"Many are unstable, with unsafe floors, broken glass and exposed electrical wiring, as well as entrapment hazards.

"There is the risk of exposure to asbestos, as well as pigeon and other faeces."

The post also said there were ongoing reports of injuries and fatalities from the activity across the world.

The costs for repairs and securing the buildings could also be prohibitive to owners, police added.

"Please remember, although trespass is deemed a civil matter, burglary and other offences are criminal and will be dealt with accordingly," police said.

The force asked parents to make sure their children were not doing the activity and advised anyone who spotted someone entering an abandoned building to contact Torbay Council or police.

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