A ISLANDWIDE warning has been issued to students amid a spike in young people entering unsafe abandoned and derelict buildings over the summer as part of a social media craze.
On one occasion, one young person required first aid due to a cut from broken glass, while there have also been instances of fires being starting within empty buildings.
The TikTok trend – known as urban exploring – has sparked concern from authorities with students from a “range of schools” taking part.
The honorary police have written to all secondary school head teachers following an “increase” over the summer.
In the letter, Ben Wheaton, president of the Jersey Honorary Police Association, said: “Although in many cases the intention may simply be to explore these locations, sometimes encouraged by social media content, entering derelict buildings can expose young people to significant risks. In some circumstances, associated behaviour may also result in criminal offences being committed.
“Throughout the summer, our officers have stopped and spoken with several young people in connection with such incidents. Where appropriate, their details have been recorded and parents or guardians have been contacted. The young people involved have come from a range of schools and, for that reason, we are contacting secondary schools across the Island rather than focusing on any individual school.”
Setting out the potential dangers of entering derelict buildings, Mr Wheaton said that unsafe areas could have rotten floors at risk of collapse, unstable walls, ceilings and roofs and exposed electrical equipment.
Other risks posed to young people include asbestos or hazardous material, rodents and wildlife and restricted of unsafe escape route.
Mr Wheaton added: “These are not theoretical risks. During one recent incident, a young person required first aid from our officers after sustaining a cut from broken glass while inside a building.
“We are also particularly concerned about the risk of fire. Historically, there have been incidents involving fires being deliberately started within derelict premises. Aside from the potential criminal consequences, fire and smoke can spread very quickly through an unfamiliar building and may prevent those inside from reaching an exit.”
He added that people forcing entry, causing damage or stealing property could constitute a criminal offence and that “depending upon the circumstances, young people may find themselves being dealt with through the parish hall enquiry system or, in more serious cases, through the courts”.
“Our aim is not to criminalise young people who are curious or adventurous,” he added. “We would much rather prevent them from becoming injured or becoming involved in behaviour which could bring them into the criminal justice system.
“We would therefore encourage parents and guardians to have a conversation with their children about the dangers involved and to consider a simple but important question: Do I know where my child is going, who they are with, and what they are doing?”
A similar warning had to be issued last year when a social media clip – uploaded with urban exploring hashtag – began circulating online and attracted thousands of views. The clip showed the inside of the “abandoned” St Saviour’s Hospital littered with ageing equipment, broken glass and debris.
Another stunt involved several young people climbing onto the Fort Regent roof to promote a clothing brand.
At the time, States police chief inspector Craig Jackson said: “We are concerned about the safety risks this poses to those involved. While the buildings aren’t ‘abandoned’ they can be structurally unsafe and full of hazards that put the lives of those entering them at risk, not to mention those of the emergency services who will be called if they get into trouble.”
