A late-night emergency response to reports of a teenager falling through a skylight has prompted a renewed warning from police over the dangers of entering abandoned buildings.
Officers were called to three separate incidents across Torbay after reports of young people breaking into derelict properties in Paignton and Brixham.
Two incidents were reported in Paignton, involving abandoned buildings opposite Paignton railway station and within the Oldway Mansion complex.
In Brixham, police received two calls relating to a group of youths who had entered a disused care home site. One call came from a young person who reported that a friend had fallen through a skylight inside the property.
Police officers and two fire appliances were sent to the scene. However, a group of youths was seen running away from the site before emergency crews arrived.
A broken skylight was discovered and fire officers carried out a full search of the buildings, but nobody was found.
Sgt Ed Thomas said: “This type of behaviour put police officers and especially fire officers at considerable risk and wastes emergency service time that could be needed elsewhere.
“Enquiries have given us a number of names of those possibly involved, including people from elsewhere in Torbay and as far as Exeter. We will be making follow up enquiries with those concerned and their families.”
The latest incidents come a day after police issued a public warning about a growing number of reports involving young people entering abandoned buildings across Torbay.
Officers said they were receiving daily reports of youths accessing derelict sites and warned that somebody could be seriously injured or killed.
Police said abandoned buildings can contain unstable structures, unsafe floors, broken glass, exposed electrical wiring and entrapment hazards. They also warned of potential exposure to asbestos and bird droppings, which can cause long-term health problems.
Officers have urged parents to speak to their children if they believe they may be involved in entering abandoned properties.
Police also reminded residents that while trespass is generally considered a civil matter, offences including burglary are criminal offences and will be investigated accordingly.
Anyone concerned about people accessing abandoned buildings is advised to contact Torbay Council and the owner of the property. Urgent matters should be reported to police through the usual channels.
