Police are warning parents and young people of the dangers of urban exploring after break ins at derelict buildings across Southport.
Police have been dealing with reports of youths going onto the site of the derelict old Hesketh Centre building in Southport and the Sands Pub in Ainsdale.
A TikTok account showcasing the interior of a number of buildings around the area has filmed inside the former Pontins site, The Sands Pub and the Shorrocks building in Formby,
Police said “The [hesketh centre] building was subject to a fire some months ago. As a result of the fire damage, the derelict building is now in a dangerous condition and is unsafe for anyone to enter.
“Anyone entering the building is taking a great risk with their personal safety and the safety of anyone with them. Further damage caused makes the building even more unsafe.
“We are liaising with the private company currently responsible for the security of the building and who operate the CCTV on the site.
“Today (Wednesday 30th July) PCSO’s have identified another town centre derelict property, where youths have gained entry to the building this afternoon. Two young people returned to enter the building while the officers were checking the building, but the youths made off when they realised officers were inside. This building is also unsafe inside, with upper room floor boards that could go through at anytime and a huge hole that someone could fall down through into the basement and very easily become injured. The building has now been re-secured.”
“And if those two examples are not enough, Officers have just been deployed right now (8:00pm) to another derelict building outside of Southport, where youths are reported to have gained entry.”
“Parents, lives are at risk from this activity. Please ensure, children and teenagers understand the risks they will be taking by going inside this or any other derelict building and the risk of arrest if they are found to be committing criminal damage. Please especially ensure that any family members who may be drawn to ‘urban exploring’, get this message”
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