Hard hitting video warns youngsters about danger of derelict buildings

Police in the High Peak are working with Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service to warn children about the dangers of playing and exploring derelict buildings.

They are visiting schools to talk about the risks of entering disused buildings and to show them a new video launched by Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service ahead of the school summer holidays, while parents are urged to remind their children about the dangers and potential consequences of exploring derelict premises.

Officers from both services are also working with owners to make sure their property is safe and that any entry points are secured.

PCSO Lee Baker, of the High Peak Youth Engagement Team, said: “Derelict buildings can be extremely dangerous, as they are often in a poor state of repair which could mean unsafe or weak roofing and floors which are at risk of collapsing.

“While many youngsters wouldn’t dream of playing in disused buildings there are some who may be tempted, perhaps unaware of the seriousness of the risks. Legally, even if a building looks abandoned there will still be an owner and if you’re on site without permission then you’re trespassing, and in terms of safety, you are potentially putting yourself in danger of serious injury or even death.”

PCSO Baker added: “I would urge parents and carers to warn young people of these dangers, and to talk to them about staying safe when they are out, as well as making sure you know of their whereabouts when they go out after school, at weekends and during the holidays.”

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, Station Manager John Cooke said: “By producing Derelict, a video showing the dangers of entering derelict and disused buildings, we’re aiming to raise awareness and prevent tragedies, not only during the summer holidays, but in the longer term too. .

“In 2017, tragically we witnessed two separate incidents where two young people lost their lives after entering a derelict building. We want to prevent this happening again and hope the message in the video is both hard and far reaching.”

You can watch Derelict, the video made by Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, on YouTube by clicking this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-i7guPZdVSw