Seven arrests over break ins at abandoned Blackpool police and court buildings

Monday, 15 April 2024 07:05

Seven arrests have been made over repeated break ins at the abandoned Blackpool police and court buildings.

Over the past few weeks, the police have received a significant amount of calls in relation to issues surrounding the Blackpool Courts, Central Car Park and Old Bonny Street Police Station.

These reports have included anti-social behaviour, assault on an emergency worker, assaulting security staff, burglary, criminal damage to police vehicles and significant criminal damage and arson within the buildings themselves.

Over the weekend, the local Neighbourhood Policing Team, with the support of Blackpool Response and Road Policing Unit made seven arrests for burglary and Possession of a Class B Drug with the Intent to Supply.

A spokesperson for Blackpool Police said: ‘’We absolutely understand that exploring abandoned buildings can seem to be exciting for youths, but we will not tolerate these crimes.

‘’Above all, we put everyone’s safety first.

‘’The building is full of disturbed Asbestos and deemed extremely unsafe, the structure of the building is crumbling with decaying concrete, the roof and flooring is collapsing within.

‘’There’s also exposed electrics mixing with significant volumes of rain water

‘’This poses a significant resourcing issue for the Police, Blackpool Council and Lancashire Fire and Rescue, when patrols could be put to better use attending other emergency call outs.

‘’These issues cannot continue. These youths are putting their own lives and emergency workers lives at risk in these buildings, despite being boarded up repeatedly.’’