Police warn of dangers as reports of ‘urban exploring’ rise in Larne
- Love Ballymena
- 2 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Inset: Cairndhu House, Larne
Police in Larne have issued a public safety warning following a rise in reports of people entering derelict and abandoned buildings across the district, highlighting the serious risks associated with so-called “urban exploring”.
Officers say the trend, which often involves individuals accessing disused industrial sites, vacant homes or former commercial premises, can carry life-threatening dangers and potential legal consequences.
Larne Neighbourhood Inspector Ash said many of the locations attracting attention are unsafe by their very nature and pose significant hazards to anyone who enters them.
“Urban exploring often involves accessing disused sites and premises. While this may seem like a harmless activity, these sites are often abandoned for a reason. They are not maintained, they are unpredictable and they can be extremely dangerous.
“We have recently seen situations where people have suffered serious injuries simply by stepping in the wrong place. Many of these sites are also not secured, meaning emergency services may struggle to locate or safely reach someone if an accident occurs.”
Police say unstable flooring, exposed wiring, unsecured heights and hidden structural damage are just some of the risks commonly found in derelict buildings. Emergency responders can also face difficulties accessing sites quickly, potentially delaying critical medical treatment.
Beyond the physical dangers, officers are reminding the public that entering restricted or privately owned buildings without permission may amount to trespass, with the potential to escalate into a criminal offence in certain circumstances.
Inspector Ash added:
“I also want to remind the public that entering a private or restricted premises without permission may constitute trespass and in some circumstances can lead to a criminal offence. This particularly applies where damage is caused or entries breached.”
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed that neighbourhood officers are working alongside the local council, property owners and community representatives to identify vulnerable sites and reduce the risk of harm.
“Our team is working closely with the local council, property owners and community representatives to identify vulnerable sites,” Inspector Ash said.
There is also concern about the influence of social media, where videos and online challenges can encourage young people to take risks without fully understanding the consequences.
“We would encourage parents and guardians to speak with young people about the risks associated with this, especially where social media challenges or online content may encourage this type of behaviour.”
Police are urging anyone who witnesses suspicious activity at abandoned buildings, or who has concerns about unsafe sites, to report it.
Anyone wishing to report a crime can contact police on 101, or dial 999 in an emergency.
Reports can also be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form at:
Information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at: