The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Anger over children on roof
Police have issued a warning to Aberdeen youngsters and their parents following reports of youths climbing on the roof of a city sports centre.
There have been numerous reports of individuals clambering on to the roof of the Beacon Centre in Bucksburn – and they have been told they are risking their lives by doing so.
Most recently, officers were sent to the sports centre on Sunday afternoon in response to reports of young people there.
Photographs and videos also began circulating on social media, prompting condemnation from locals and pleas from the police and local councillor Avril MacKenzie.
Angry residents raised questions about whether parents knew what their children were up to and the risks they were taking.
Councillor MacKenzie said: “Do these children not stop to think about their own safety?
“If someone had fallen, who would be responsible then?
“Imagine someone had broken their neck and been paralysed – who would be expected to take responsibility then? Sport Aberdeen? Because they run the centre?”
Police are urging youngsters in the area to consider the dangers of their actions and are asking parents to check up on their children.
Sergeant Lynne Kortland said: “Officers attended and the youths came down safely.
“Suitable advice was given and no damage was caused to the roof.
“There is an obvious risk in climbing on to the roof of a building and I would urge young people to think about their behaviour and not to put themselves or others in a situation where they could be in danger.
“I would also urge parents and guardians to make sure they know where their children are, who they are associating with and what they are doing.”
Ms MacKenzie added: “They need to be more aware of the dangers. It would have been easy for one of them to fall and get hurt. As for their parents or guardians, they should be keeping on top of the children about what they’re doing.”
Anyone who has concerns about antisocial behaviour in their area should contact police by calling 101.