Increase in urban exploration sparks police warning

A police force has issued a warning about the dangers of urban exploration following an increase of reported incidents.

Known as urbexing, the trend sees young people visit abandoned or empty sites and properties, often filming and sharing videos to social media, said Dorset Police.

The force said it has created a new video aimed at parents, carers and guardians, warning that derelict sites can be unsafe and have hidden hazards.

PC Dominic Frost said: "Sadly, while such activities may be seen as amusing or thrill-seeking they can end in tragedy and I would urge those involved to stop before somebody is seriously injured or killed."

Dorset Police said the practice often involves trespassing on private property and, in some cases, could also be classed as burglary, invasion of privacy or intimidation.

It said an increase of reports of the activity in some parts of the county in the past few months had prompted the "renewed warning from officers".

The video urges parents to take a few minutes to talk to their children about the dangers of urban exploring.

"You could help prevent that knock at the door that every parent dreads," said Frost.

He urged people "not to put themselves in danger by engaging in this type of activity", adding: "It is not only dangerous but illegal to trespass on private property and could lead to life-changing consequences for those that choose to do so."