Together with Devon & Cornwall Police we are urging parents and carers to speak to their children about the dangers of entering unsafe buildings and to know where they are spending their time this summer.

With many young people having recently finished their exams and the school summer holidays almost upon us, we and Devon & Cornwall Police want all children and young people to enjoy a safe, happy and incident-free summer.

As young people spend more time outdoors with friends, there can be a temptation to explore empty or boarded-up buildings. While this may seem harmless, entering unsafe buildings can have devastating consequences.

There are several buildings across Torbay that have been secured because they are unsafe. Hidden dangers can include unstable floors, weakened staircases, falling debris, exposed hazards and the risk of structural collapse. Entering these buildings could result in serious injury or even death.

We and the Police are encouraging parents and carers to take a few moments to discuss these risks with their children and to make sure they know where they are spending their time during the summer holidays.

A conversation could save a life

Young people are naturally curious and may not always recognise the dangers associated with derelict or unsafe buildings. Parents and carers have an important role to play in helping them understand these risks and make safe choices.

Families are being encouraged to talk regularly about summer plans, ask where young people are going, who they are spending time with and when they expect to return home.

Parents and carers are encouraged to remind young people:

• Never enter boarded-up, abandoned or closed buildings.
• Never climb over, move or damage safety fencing or barriers.
• Stay away from areas marked as unsafe.
• Look out for friends and encourage them to make safe choices.
• Tell a trusted adult if they see damaged fencing or barriers.

Councillor Hayley Tranter, Cabinet Member for Adult and Community Service, Public Health and Inequalities at Torbay Council, said: "We want all young people in Torbay to enjoy a safe and enjoyable summer. Unfortunately, buildings that appear empty or abandoned can contain very real dangers that are not immediately obvious.

"Parents and carers have a responsibility to know where their children are, who they are with and what they are doing. Taking a few minutes to have those conversations and checking in regularly can help prevent young people from finding themselves in dangerous situations.

"Barriers and fencing are put in place to protect people. We would urge families to talk openly about the risks and reinforce the message that no dare, photograph or adventure is worth risking a life."

Paignton Sector Inspector Pete Giesens from Devon & Cornwall Police said: "The school holidays are an exciting time for young people, but they can also present opportunities for risky behaviour if children are left unsupervised or their whereabouts are unknown.

"Parents and carers have a vital role in keeping young people safe. Knowing where your children are, who they are with and what they are doing is an important part of that responsibility.

"Unsafe buildings can be incredibly dangerous. We want parents to have these conversations now and to remind young people that fences, barriers and warning signs are there to protect them. A simple conversation today could prevent a tragedy tomorrow."

We and Devon & Cornwall Police are reminding residents that safety fencing and barriers are installed to protect the public and should never be moved, damaged or ignored.

As summer begins, parents and carers are being asked one important question:

Do you know where your children are and what they are doing this summer?

Taking a few minutes to talk about the risks of unsafe buildings and keeping informed about where young people are spending their time, could make all the difference.

Help keep our community safe

Members of the public are also being asked to remain vigilant.

If you see anyone climbing over safety fencing, entering boarded-up buildings, or accessing areas that have been fenced off for public safety, please report it to the police.

If a crime is in progress or there is an immediate risk to life, call 999.

For non-emergencies, contact Devon & Cornwall Police on 101 or report information online via the Devon & Cornwall Police website.