Urban exploring trend leads to warning

Residents have been warned about the serious dangers and legal consequences of urban exploring inside vacant buildings.

West Northamptonshire Council, Northamptonshire Police and Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service said there had been an increase in young people visiting derelict buildings and sharing videos on social media platforms including TikTok.

A TikTok spokesperson said it did not allow content that showed or promoted dangerous activities, or could cause significant physical harm.

Charlie Hastie, from the council, warned against the trend.

"While urban exploring may appear exciting, the reality is that these buildings are extremely dangerous and often structurally unsound," said Hastie, who is the Reform UK cabinet member for housing and communities.

Urban exploring and posting about it on social media has been a trend for several years.

A spokesperson from West Northamptonshire Council added: "Online comment sections often include requests for directions or tips on how to gain entry, further increasing the risk to more people.

"Entering these buildings without permission is a criminal offence and may result in prosecution.

"In some areas, individuals may also be breaching a public spaces protection order, which is in place to address anti-social behaviour and prohibits unauthorised access."

In 2019, hundreds of checks on sewers were carried out to combat urban exploring, after four teenagers became trapped underground.

The boys, all aged 16, were pulled from a manhole in Northampton after getting lost.

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