People urged not to enter derelict buildings in Torbay

People are being urged not to enter derelict buildings in Torbay after a spate of recent incidents.

Torbay Council and Devon and Cornwall Police say there's been an increase in people accessing these buildings in recent weeks.

They say they've noted more incidents of vandalism and anti-social behaviour after people have broken in.

Devon and Cornwall Police have also reinforced the risk to those who enter these buildings, and those who respond to them.

This includes three children being taken to hospital with serious cuts, and one child receiving ten stitches after cutting themselves with broken glass.

They also say environmental hazards within these buildings, including toxic substances, fire and electricity risks, and structural instability, present significant danger.

And they're also warning about short and long-term potential health impacts from exposure to asbestos and pigeon droppings.

A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesman said “by entering derelict buildings, people are putting themselves at risk from any potential dangers within.

“Should emergency services and other partners have to respond to incidents as a result, they would also be putting those individuals at risk as well.”

Councillor Hayley Tranter, Cabinet Member for Adult and Community Services, Public Health and Inequalities, said that “empty buildings, whether abandoned or derelict, pose significant risks to anyone entering them, and being derelict there are reduced chances knowing anyone is in there if there is an accident.

“We are particularly concerned that in some instances, people are not only entering these buildings but are causing vandalism and putting their lives at risk due to smashing of glass windows, smashing of asbestos tiles, and accessing the buildings through dangerous areas.”