Ipswich officer says children as young as 12 urban exploring

Police Constable Kim Butler has called on parents to warn children about the dangers of exploring abandoned sites in the town.

Police Constable Kim Butler (Image: Suffolk Police) Police previously announced there have been 70 reports in the town this year of “urban explorers” and one building targeted is the former Paul’s silo building or ‘Octopus’ building on the Waterfront.

Urban exploration – sometimes referred to as ‘UE’ or ‘urbex’ - is the exploration of manmade structures, usually abandoned ruins or hidden elements of the manmade environment.

PC Butler said there are five prime sights that officers have found young people in and said the and explained the popularity of this trend rises during school holidays and falls during term time.

She said: “The reports go from the age of 12 to 18 so, from someone quite young to someone that probably should know better.

“I think it is potentially linked to the school holidays and unfortunately, with a lot of anti-social behaviour type incidents, there is a flare up when the schools aren't open. Then you get a little bit of a lull when the schools are back."

PC Butler added the majority of buildings explored are premises that have been unoccupied for some time but also places where companies have just moved out.

The officer stressed the importance of teaching children about the dangers of exploring: “I can see from a young person's point of view why they may think it is an interesting thing to do.

“But, obviously, from our point of view, the concerns are the significant risks involved.

“We are not looking to criminalize people we want to protect people, keep them safe, and to make sure that people are educated about the risks involved. We don't want somebody to get hurt.”

Suffolk police said warning letters and advice have been issued to young people including the potential criminal offences they commit if found inside a building.

An Ipswich Borough Council spokesperson earlier this week issued advice to landowners to take preventative measures to secure premises.

The spokesperson added: “Such measures could include installing gates, fences, locks, cameras and even third-party security to secure the perimeter and prevent access from being gained easily.”