Police warn against entering abandoned buildings in Welwyn Garden City
They pose risks such as collapsing floors, broken glass, and hazardous materials
Hertfordshire Police are warning young people to steer clear of abandoned buildings, as they can pose extreme risks and hazards.
It follows several incidents in Welwyn Garden City town centre, as officers have responded to reports of youths accessing the disused Shredded Wheat factory and Lloyd’s bank buildings.
These abandoned sites pose hidden risks, including unstable floors and staircases that could collapse, exposed wiring, broken glass, hazardous materials, and unsafe roofs weakened by age or weather conditions.
Biological hazards such as asbestos and stagnant water further elevate potential dangers.
Sergeant Deane Brittain who leads the Welwyn Hatfield North NPT said: “We know that urban exploring is a popular activity and these abandoned and derelict sites often appear exciting or mysterious. However, these sites are highly unpredictable, with the potential for serious injury in a matter of seconds."
“Fortunately, in Welwyn Hatfield, there have been no serious injuries or fatalities, but there is obviously always that risk, especially given some of the sites are at quite a significant height.
“My message really is just to avoid those sites entirely.”
Anyone who enters enclosed land or buildings without lawful authority may be committing an offence under the Vagrancy Act.
Accessing such premises with the intent to cause damage or steal could result in serious charges like burglary.
Sgt Brittain added: “We're encouraging parents to have these conversations to their children about where they're spending their time and who they're with, and to reinforce that going into these sites has got all kinds of risk attached to it.”
If you witness trespassing or unsafe behaviour around an abandoned building, you can ring 101. In urgent cases where life may be at risk, call 999.