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Youth caught out by police after climbing onto roof of Honiton shop
PCSO Richard Shelton says police have been called to many incidents this year involving youths on roofs. - Credit: Archant
A Honiton youth has been told off by police after he was caught climbing on the roof of a High Street shop.
Youths were seen walking on Honiton Library's roof in February this year. Image: Google Maps - Credit: Archant
The incident was detailed by Honiton PCSO Richard Shelton, who caught the youngster involved in the dangerous craze last Friday (April 13).
Mr Shelton said has already dealt three teenagers Acceptable Behaviour Contracts - an early intervention made against individuals perceived to be engaging in anti-social behaviour - in recent months.
He said: “We had a call from a shop in High Street last Friday after its CCTV picked up two youths on its roof at the time.
“They had gone when we arrived, so we viewed the footage and did an area search, but it was to no avail.
Police caught teenagers on the roof of Honiton Community College in the Easter half term. Photo: Google Maps - Credit: Archant
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“Upon exiting the store, we saw one of the youths walking down High Street wearing the same clothing.
“We intercepted him and he admitted he was up on the roof.
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“He received very strong words of advice about safety and the risk he was causing to himself - and others below possibly.”
Last week’s incident is the latest in a long line of antisocial behaviour in Honiton involving youngsters walking on rooftops.
Teenagers were caught earlier this month wandering on the roof of Honiton Community College, while staff at Honiton Library were shocked to spot hooded teens walking on the building’s flat roof in February this year.
Mr Shelton said: “We have had several incidents reported in the last few weeks.
“Ages range from 11 and 12 to 16 and 17. What I would ask parents is they need to look and see where their children are at all times.
“If they are not aware they are on school or shop roofs, then they are not aware at how much danger they are putting themselves - and potentially others - in.”
Mr Shelton said if a youth fell from a rooftops, they could seriously injure themselves - or worse.
He added: “Some of the buildings are old.
“If a youth fell off a roof at night, they might not be found for some time.
“There’s a risk they could fall onto rooftops or pavement below - they also need to realise they are trespassing on private property.
“Businesses are not happy because of damage being done to their property.
“We are not happy because of the risk these youngsters are putting themselves at.”