A Southampton urban explorer has urged teens not to venture into abandoned buildings after police officers warned teens of the dangers of exploring derelict buildings.
The last ten years has seen a sharp rise in popularity of ‘urban exploring’ – particularly due to the fact that explorers can upload their findings, to share with millions across social media.
Today, the trend has become so popular that Hedge End's neighbourhood policing team has launched an appeal to parents across the area, urging them to explain the dangers of urban exploring to their children.
Police have defined the act of urban exploring as “entering derelict buildings with the purpose of exploring what is inside".
Officers have said they have seen a spike in those young people urban exploring in recent weeks – largely due to the Easter break.
A Southampton urban explorer of more than 10 years, Jayde McKenner, 31, has offered her reaction to the police appeal.
Jayde has stated that teens should think twice about entering abandoned building until they are old enough to understand the consequences.
She added: “Despite the fact I’m often trespassing and the danger is very real – I'm able to weigh up the risk and decide if the building is safe.
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“I do it because I love it – but the danger is extremely real and teens should take on board what the police have said.
“To anyone that does go urban exploring, please understand the risk you are taking. Make sure you tell someone where you have gone.
“I would advise teens to avoid – but everyone has a passion.”
The explorer from Lordshill said that she first got the itch for entering abandoned buildings when her and a group of friends found their way into an abandoned corner shop at the age of just 10.
She continued: “I know what its like wanting to explore as a youngster – but its better to wait until you are at an age where you understand the potential danger.
“The reason it has become so popular is that buildings are left like a time machine – I research the history of these places and the images can be incredible.
“Its like walking back in time – so I understand the interest of these teens but totally agree with the police.”
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