Thames Valley Police in Milton Keynes have issued a clear safety warning to parents and guardians after officers investigated recent incidents in which children suffered serious injuries while taking part in so‑called urban exploring.
Officers highlight hidden dangers of derelict sites
Urban exploring involves entering disused or abandoned buildings. The force said these locations can present a range of hazards and are not safe places to visit. In a statement, police reminded the public that many derelict structures are structurally unsafe and can expose explorers to risks including unstable floors, falling debris and other unseen dangers.
“Disused or abandoned buildings can be extremely dangerous.”
Police confirmed they had recently been called to incidents where those entering disused properties – including children – had been seriously injured. While the force described such episodes as civil rather than criminal matters, officers said they were issuing the warning because injuries had occurred and could become more severe.
What parents and the public should know
- Police advise parents, carers and guardians to talk to young people about the risks of entering abandoned buildings.
- Anyone who spots people accessing a disused property should alert the building owner or the appropriate authorities.
- Although entering disused buildings is typically a civil matter, injuries sustained there can escalate into serious incidents requiring emergency response.
The force emphasised that its intervention is preventative. Officers said they do not want situations that begin as civil trespass to escalate into incidents causing serious harm.
Local impact and practical steps
The warning comes amid growing interest among some young people in exploring abandoned places. For families and those responsible for young people, the advice is straightforward: discourage unsupervised visits to derelict sites and ensure children understand the potential for serious injury.
| Risk | Example hazard |
|---|---|
| Structural failure | Unstable floors and collapse risk |
| Falling and impact | Loose debris and falling materials |
| Hidden hazards | Exposed fixtures, unseen drops and contaminants |
Thames Valley Police said anyone who notices an individual or group accessing a disused property should report it to the building owner or to the relevant authorities where appropriate. The force’s statement was issued to help reduce the chance of further injuries and to prompt conversations between adults and young people about safer pastimes.
For families seeking alternatives, local youth services and community groups in Milton Keynes run supervised activities and events; contacting those organisations can provide safer options for teenagers interested in exploration or adventure.
Reporting concerns about unsafe buildings or trespass can prevent avoidable harm and ensures appropriate steps are taken to secure or manage derelict sites.
