Gwent Police has warned youngsters from climbing onto the roofs of Caerphilly town centre shops.
Sergeant Sarah Greening is asking parents to speak to their children following several reports of youngsters climbing scaffolding to gain access to the tops of buildings.
Incidents have taken place on commercial premises in the town, including Sport Direct and Dunbar Fancy Dress Shop as well as Elim Pentecostal Church.
Sgt Greening explained: “This activity is presenting a great danger and risk to those taking part and I would strongly advise against anyone doing anything similar.
“There is a possibility that these young people may be seeking a quick adrenaline rush by partaking in free running. However, now this has been brought to our attention, we will be making further enquiries into offences being committed here, including antisocial behaviour and criminal damage.
“We are now in the process of speaking with Caerphilly Council’s Connecting Communities Manager to discuss inviting local youths in to help us design something that they could do in a safe environment.
“We are not out to spoil people’s fun. We understand free running is a hobby that has recently become very popular, but we are thinking of the safety of those involved.”
I fully understand that the police have a duty to discourage young people from running and climbing on other people’s property but to highlight the danger of doing so is pointless. This is the very reason that the young, starved of danger in modern Britain, do it in the first place.
To provide them with a safe environment, adult supervision and protective clothing robs the activity of it’s principle attraction; danger. This was why I played on building sites, climbed just about every wall in the castle, built dams and rope swings from trees. Today’s teenagers want to do the same but are frustrated by a more urban environment, hence the popularity of free running.
Bravo, bravo councillor Williams.
I couldn’t agree more. They shouldn’t be doing it and it will end in tears but I have a sneaky admiration for their abilities.