The Isle of Wight Community Safety Partnership (CSP) have warned trespassers against entering empty or derelict buildings.

The calls come after a number of reports of people entering properties over the summer on the Island.

The CSP has called for education and for children and young people to think twice before entering such buildings.

The organisations that form the CSP are the Isle of Wight Council, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, National Probation Trust, the Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group and voluntary sector partners.

The Council has recently invoked emergency powers to secure the derelict Ocean Hotel in Sandown after a series of trespassing and arson incidents and on the property this summer.

Cllr Karen Lucioni, Cabinet member for community protection, said: "Just like you talk to your children about staying away from strangers, it’s important to talk to your children about staying away from abandoned properties and buildings.

"We would encourage parents to be aware of where their children are playing with their friends, and make them aware of the hazards that abandoned buildings and unsecured sites can pose.

"In 2021, 22-year-old art student Ethan Bonnar fell through the roof of an abandoned building in Devon and was not discovered for over 24 hours. Ethan suffered a traumatic brain injury and due to the delay in medical intervention sadly lost his life two days later.

“The council is undertaking planning enforcement action in a number of instances, but legal processes take time. 

“I’m also aware that through our excellent Community Safety Partnership that a range of other powers across all the partner agencies are being explored to help us tackle these unsafe buildings that all too often blight our communities.”

Superintendent Robert Mitchell, of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, added: "One problem for the Island involves disused hotels.

"They present a safety concern as they can attract young or vulnerable people seeking fun or shelter.

"In some cases people are drawn to the premises for nothing more than causing criminal damage and anti-social behaviour.

"Whilst efforts to have action taken by owners continues, the partnership has plans to secure buildings to prevent access, detect intruders and improve security through CCTV and other trackable methods.

"Arson in particular poses a real risk to anyone who enters the building, including emergency responders dealing with the consequences.

"Those who are drawn to this type of behaviour need to consider the life-changing consequences if a fatal fire took hold.

"As well as causing serious physical harm to somebody, you risk a substantial criminal conviction.

"We will continue to work together to find a long term solution, with the owners, to minimise the risk to the public."