Police in Warrington warn of the dangers of playing in disused buildings

Warrington Local Policing Unit is urging parents and carers to make sure their children understand the dangers of playing in empty buildings after three teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of burglary and criminal damage.

Officers will also be making joint visits to schools with Warrington Borough Council youth services and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service to warn children of the dangers.

The risks of abandoned buildings include questionable structural integrity, black mould and entry and exit hazards. It is also brings with it the risk of a criminal record. The teenagers, a girl aged 16, and two boys aged 16 and 17 are suspected of entering the building in Sankey Street on 3 October and causing significant damage.

Insp Lee Hillyard said:

“We’ve received a number of calls about gatherings in abandoned premises over recent weeks.

“I can’t stress enough the dangers in visiting disused buildings, and the risk of injuries they pose as the buildings are in quite bad disrepair.

“I very much understand the need to see friends and socialise, but there are much safer places for young people to meet, such as the Youth Zone.

“We don’t want to have to be knocking on parents or carers doors to deliver the upsetting and tragic news if someone is seriously injured, or worse, because unbeknown to them, the children were playing in an unsafe derelict building.”

Anyone who sees children entering empty properties should contact Cheshire Police on 101, or 999 in an emergency.