Youths warned over ‘urban exploring’ after climbing on Debenhams roof

Police are urging parents to warn children of the dangers of going into derelict buildings after youths were spotted on the roof of a former store in Nottingham.

Officers were called to the old Debenhams buildings in Long Row, off Old Market Square, at about 14:00 GMT on Saturday after a group of boys were spotted on the rooftop

The three boys, who were 10 to 12 years old, were detained and issued with a dispersal order, excluding them from the area. A fourth boy left shortly before officers arrived.

After taking the boys home, police also gave them a community resolution order and were “reminded of the risks of ‘urban exploring’ and trespassing at derelict buildings”.

Ch Insp Kylie Davies released a statement on Tuesday, asking parents to speak to their children about entering derelict buildings, which are usually “unsafe and in a state of disrepair”.

She said the Debenhams building was “incredibly dangerous” and had asbestos, broken glass, floors that were giving way and was pitch black inside.

“With this, I urge parents and guardians to please talk to your children about the dangers of entering empty and derelict buildings,” she added.

“This message isn’t to stop children from enjoying themselves but to highlight the dangers and ensure that your child doesn’t end up a casualty or even a fatality.”

City centre businesses have raised their concerns.

Eddie Walters, a manager at Insomnia Cookies in Angel Row, said sales dropped by 70% on Saturday.

“While they had the incident up, people weren’t coming through Market Square to come to us,” he said.

“It’s affecting a lot of businesses, especially on Angel Row.

“It’s definitely a persistent problem.”

Rajesh Dhingra, co-owner of Mona’s Beauty Bar in Market Street, which is on the same row of shops as the former Debenhams building, also said it had been a major issue.

He said the building had become a “playground” for young people.

“They’re very curious about what’s going on in that building, it needs to be sorted asap, and we look forward to hopefully it turning into some sort of commercial outlet again.”

The store, which has Grade II listed status, closed its doors in May 2021, as part of the wider closure of all Debenhams stores.

In July, six boys were also spotted on the same roof and were arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage and public nuisance.

Sgt Dan Butler said: “This is the latest in a series of trespass incidents at the site and we are continuing to work with its security team to ensure the building is as secure as it can be.”

Nottinghamshire Police said it was continuing to engage with the managing agents of the former Debenhams building over improving security at the site.