Blog > Children Trespassing in Abandoned Buildings: Securing buildings for public safety
Children Trespassing in Abandoned Buildings: Securing buildings for public safety
Site SecurityVacant Property Services
Written by Gideon ReichentalPublished: 12th November 2024Last update: 22nd May 2026
Curious children tend to wander onto derelict building sites unaware of the dangers that could face them. In 2017, there were two very sad cases of children dying as a result of playing in buildings that were left unprotected.
The responsibility for protecting the public against the potential risks of a vacant property lies entirely with the property owner. In fact it’s a requirement of their insurance to protect the vacant property against any visitors, be they property inspectors, developers, fly-tippers or squatters.
In this article, we review why children trespass and who is responsible for securing buildings for public safety.
Contents
Key takeaways
In 2017, two children died playing in unprotected abandoned buildings.
Property owners bear full legal responsibility for protecting vacant properties from public trespass.
Insurance requirements mandate that owners protect vacant properties against all visitors and intruders.
Children commonly trespass on derelict sites unaware of the serious dangers present.
Children Trespassing in Abandoned Buildings: What Landlords Need to Know
Abandoned and empty buildings often attract the curiosity of children and teenagers. From the thrill of exploring a derelict site to the temptation of social media trends like ‘urban exploration’, vacant properties can quickly become magnets for trespassers. For landlords, this presents a significant risk not just to the safety of those involved, but also from a legal and financial standpoint.
So, what responsibilities do landlords have when it comes to securing their properties? And what steps can you take to prevent unauthorised access?
Why Do Children Trespass?
Children and young people are naturally curious. Abandoned buildings, with their sense of mystery and adventure, often become enticing playgrounds. Social media has only amplified this, with trends encouraging young people to explore and document their visits to off-limits locations. However, these spaces are typically unsafe, with risks including falling debris, sharp objects, unstable floors, and potentially harmful substances like asbestos.
The Legal Responsibilities of Landlords
Under UK law, property owners have a duty of care to protect anyone who might enter their premises — including trespassers, particularly children. The Occupiers’ Liability Act 1984 states that property owners must take reasonable steps to prevent harm if:
They are aware of a danger on the property.
They know people might come into contact with the danger.
They can reasonably mitigate the risk.
Children are given special consideration under this law because they are less able to recognise and avoid danger. Even if children are trespassing without permission, the law may still hold landlords responsible if adequate precautions haven’t been taken.
Steps to Secure Your Property
Protecting your property isn’t just about mitigating liability — it’s also about safeguarding lives. Here are some practical steps to take:
Install Secure Fencing: Erect strong, tamper-resistant fencing around the site to prevent easy access.
Board Up Entry Points: Secure doors, windows, and any other potential entry points with sturdy materials.
Use Warning Signs: Clearly display signs such as “Danger: Keep Out” to deter potential trespassers.
Regular Inspections: Inspect your property regularly to identify and address vulnerabilities.
CCTV and Alarm Systems: Consider installing security cameras and alarms to monitor activity and alert you to unauthorised access.
Hire a Professional Security Service: For high-risk sites, professional monitoring services can provide peace of mind.
The biggest risk is to children as vacant properties and sites are such attractive places to explore. Learn more about void property inspection.
Property owners have a legal and moral obligation to secure vacant buildings, and the consequences of failing to do so can be catastrophic-children are naturally drawn to explore derelict sites, making robust perimeter security and regular inspections non-negotiable rather than optional measures.
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FAQs: Landlord Liability and Abandoned Buildings
Q: If children are trespassing, am I still liable if they get injured?
Yes, potentially. The Occupiers’ Liability Act 1984 requires property owners to take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable harm, even to trespassers.
Q: What are ‘reasonable steps’ to secure a vacant property?
This varies depending on the nature and location of the property but typically includes fencing, securing entry points, warning signs, and regular inspections.
Q: Can I be held responsible if I’ve hired a security company?
If you’ve taken reasonable measures and outsourced security to a reputable firm, you’re less likely to be held liable. However, it’s essential to choose a qualified and insured provider.
Q: What should I do if I discover children trespassing?
Don’t confront them directly. Instead, contact the police if necessary, address any security weaknesses immediately, and document the incident.
Q: How often should I inspect my empty property?
The frequency depends on the site’s location and risk level, but a monthly inspection is a good starting point. High-risk sites may need more frequent checks.
Empty buildings may attract curiosity-seekers, but as a landlord, you have a legal and moral duty to minimise the dangers they present. By taking proactive steps to secure your property, you can protect both young trespassers and your own liability. Investing in security now can prevent costly legal complications later — and most importantly, it can save lives.
Gideon is an experienced property specialist with almost ten years dedicated to the field of vacant property security and services. With a strong commitment to customer service and operational support, he has built extensive expertise in protecting vulnerable and unoccupied buildings through practical, risk-based security solutions.
His experience includes directly managing portfolios of more than 200 vacant properties, alongside senior management responsibility for wider portfolios exceeding 2,000 properties. This has given him a detailed understanding of the challenges involved in securing vacant assets, from preventing trespass, theft, vandalism, and arson to helping clients maintain compliance, reduce liability, and protect long-term property value.
Gideon has strong technical knowledge of the measures used to secure vacant properties, including steel security screens and doors, monitored alarm systems, CCTV, mobile response, site inspections, and temporary fire and life safety solutions. At Clearway, he supports the delivery of tailored protection strategies designed around the specific risk profile of each property, helping clients secure and manage unoccupied assets with confidence.
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