The Risks Of Urban Exploring And The Law 🚨

The Risks Of Urban Exploring And The Law 🚨

Hi Bewsey & Whitecross

Officers are reminding members of the public about the laws surrounding trespassing and burglary, following a growing trend of “urban exploring” being shared on social media.

While this trend – often known as ‘UE’ or ‘urbex’ – is happening across the country, there have also been reports of it here in Warrington Central.

Urban exploring typically involves visiting abandoned buildings or hidden manmade structures and sharing footage online. While this can sometimes highlight places of historical interest, it can also cross into illegal activity.

⚠️ What might seem like harmless exploration can involve:

Trespassing on private property

Invasion of privacy

Causing damage or intimidation

In some cases, even offences that meet the legal definition of burglary

Officers are warning those filming and posting content from these locations that their actions may be breaking the law.

⚖️ Understanding the Law

In many cases, simply entering private land without permission is considered civil trespass. This means:

You may not be arrested straight away

However, property owners can take legal action against you

You could be liable for any damage caused

Importantly:
👉 If you are asked to leave by the owner, security, or anyone in authority, you must leave immediately. Refusing to do so could escalate the situation into a criminal offence.

More serious offences can apply depending on your actions:

Aggravated Trespass (Section 68, Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994)
⚖️ Up to 3 months in prison and/or a fine of up to £2,500

Burglary (Section 9, Theft Act 1968)
⚖️ Defined as entering a building as a trespasser with intent to commit theft or damage
⚖️ Carries a maximum sentence of up to 14 years in prison

⚠️ Safety Risks Are Real

Urban exploring isn’t just a legal risk — it can also be extremely dangerous. Many abandoned sites:

Have unstable or collapsing structures

Contain hazardous materials such as asbestos

Require climbing fences or unsafe access routes

To give you an idea, Asbestos was only banned in UK construction in 1999. The peak period for intense use would be post-war to 1985.

If you are injured while trespassing, you are unlikely to have any legal protection or compensation.

🏛️ Protected Sites

Entering listed buildings or scheduled monuments can result in serious penalties, even if no damage was intended. These sites are legally protected, and any interference may be treated as a criminal offence.

✅ Key Advice

Always seek permission before entering private property

Respect barriers, fencing, and warning signs

Leave immediately if asked

Think before posting — content that seems exciting online could have serious consequences offline

📢 Enjoy exploring safely and responsibly — and stay on the right side of the law.

Kind regards

Stephen Blake

Warrington Central

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Message Sent By
Stephen Blake
(Cheshire Police, Cyber Prevent Officer, Cheshire)