YouTubers trespass in former North Yorkshire care home

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Police are urging people to stay out of disused buildings following a recent trespassing incident involving YouTubers.

The warning comes after two men broke into a former care home on Old Malton Road in Malton.

Incidents have also been reported at other disused premises including pubs and hotels in North Yorkshire.

In the video at the former Ashfield care home, the pair of YouTubers, are heard saying: "We’re just trespassing mate… right next to police station… don’t worry about us."

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Cllr Keane Duncan, councillor for Norton, raised the issue with North Yorkshire Council.

A council spokesperson said the men appeared to have forced the windows open and cut the cable restrictors to gain entry.

The window has since been secured and the council is now considering additional security measures at Ashfield and other council buildings.

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Keeley Lockey-Smith said: "While some people may see urban exploring as a harmless hobby, entering buildings without permission can be extremely dangerous and is not without consequences.

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"Whether a property is abandoned, disused, vacant, under redevelopment, or simply not open to the public, there are often significant safety risks.

"These can include unstable floors, exposed asbestos, unsafe electrical systems, unguarded drops, hazardous materials, or ongoing construction work.

"Those who enter are putting themselves, and potentially emergency services personnel, at risk."

Inspector Lockey-Smith also stressed the impact on police resources.

She said: "Every time officers are called to reports of people inside restricted or private premises, it requires police resources to attend, assess the situation, and ensure everyone is safe.

"This can take officers away from frontline duties, including responding to emergencies, investigating crime, and protecting vulnerable people."

She warned that such incidents will be taken seriously.

Insp Lockey-Smith said: "Reports of suspicious activity will be thoroughly investigated, and any offences identified will be dealt with robustly.

"Our message is simple: stay out of private property unless you have permission to be there."

The former care home has been closed since 2024 and is expected to be re-developed into a new extra care facility.

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