Second warning over freerunning (From Stroud News and Journal)

Second warning over freerunning

3:22pm Tuesday 6th May 2008

• Print
• Email
• Share

Youngsters taking part in free running and Parkour in Stroud are being warned again by police to give greater thought to safety and the property of others while practising their sport.

The warning comes after officers received a report of four youths using the roof of Peacocks in Stroud for their hobby on Sunday April 26 2008.

As a result a 12-year-old boy from Thrupp and a 12-year-old boy from Chalford were given anti-social behavioural notices and their parents called and advised on their behaviour.

An 18-year-old from Stroud and a 13-year-old from Thrupp were taken to Stroud Police Station where their parents were called.

They were all given advice and information on the possible consequences should they chose to continue their behaviour.

PC Mark Wilson, of Stroud police, stressed the enormous risks involved in practising free running on tall buildings.

"Police don't want to stop youngsters from practising their chosen sport, but they need to exercise some common sense and do it where there is no risk to property or life," he said.

"In this particular incident the potential for fatal or serious injury was considerable given the height of the building and the route taken to access the rooftop.

"It was surprising that no one was seriously hurt, given the circumstances."

"We have asked before and we will ask again for youngsters to heed our advice.

"This time we have enlisted the help of schools in the area who will also educate the children on the dangers of this sport and highlight the possible outcomes should youngsters be caught trespassing or casing criminal damage to buildings."

• Print
• Email
• Share