Haverhill Police issues warning after children spotted climbing on roofs of High Street shops

A police force has warned children against climbing on the rooftops of town centre shops after it received a spate of reports.

Haverhill Police said, over the course of the weekend, it was called to several incidents involving children climbing and jumping over shop roofs in High Street, with four 999 calls from concerned members of the public.

The force said most of the buildings the youths were spotted on were older and were unlikely to be able to take the weight of people moving quickly or jumping on them.

A spokesperson said: “This is not about spoiling fun or threatening to arrest people – however, there is a genuine possibility that someone could fall through a roof and end up injured or worse.

“We do ask parents, if you have had children out with friends in Haverhill last weekend, if you could speak to them and inform them of the dangers.”

The spokesperson added there have been previous similar incidents in Haverhill where people have ended up falling through a roof.

The force is taking steps to stop children risking their lives, such as liaising with schools to educate them on the dangers of such activities.

It is also in contact with the council, which has good CCTV coverage of the town’s high street.

Officers added there are lots of activities for children to engage with in Haverhill, such as at the sports centre, The Zone, scouting groups or the local Army Cadet Force.

If you see someone on the rooftops it is suggested, instead of shouting at them or giving them attention, discreetly call 999 and give the best location and description of the person possible.

It is likely police can then pick them up on CCTV before officers arrive to track them remotely in a safe way.