Police issue warning to young people across Dacorum about dangers of urban exploring
Hertfordshire Constabulary has issued a warning to young people across Dacorum about the dangers of the trend of urban exploring.
Police have issued the warning after reports of multiple incidents of people entering empty or abandoned premises.
Among the dangers of urban exploring highlighted by police are unstable floors and staircases that are prone to collapse, broken glass, sharp metal or hazardous materials, exposed electrical wiring, unsafe roofs and structures and biological hazards such as asbestos or stagnant water.
The force’s anti-social behaviour officer Sonia Nixon said: “This is an issue we are seeing across the county.
“We know that many young people see urban exploring as a bit of fun but unfortunately, many don’t realise that it comes with huge risk.
“These sites are highly unpredictable, with the potential for serious injury in a matter of seconds.
“Aside from the danger, there is also a criminal element too. In Hertsmere, we’ve received reports of people entering buildings that are mistakenly seen as abandoned when in fact they are still owned and are in the process of being cleared out.
“Entering a premises like this is classed as burglary.
“If you are a parent or carer, we’d urge you to speak to your children about the dangers and to ensure they understand that entering these buildings is both unsafe and against the law.”
Anyone who witnesses trespassing or unsafe behaviour around an abandoned building is asked to contact police via the 101 number, or 999 if they believe life is in danger.