Leading industry and regional media have highlighted growing concerns around the rise of urban exploration (‘urbex’) and the risks it presents to young people, property owners and facilities managers ahead of the summer holidays.
Recent coverage in Facilitate and the Liverpool Echo has explored the findings from VPS’s latest Safer Sites, Safer Futures campaign, which examines the factors driving youth-related incursions into vacant and operational sites.
A changing risk landscape
For many organisations, the summer holidays have traditionally meant an increase in trespass and unauthorised access.
However, today’s incidents are increasingly influenced by social media, online challenges and the popularity of urban exploration content, encouraging young people to access sites that can pose significant safety risks.
Our latest research suggests organisations need to look beyond physical security alone and consider the wider social and digital factors influencing behaviour.
Industry discussion gaining momentum
The issue has attracted attention across both the facilities management sector and regional media.
Facilitate examined why facilities managers should prepare for an increase in urban exploration activity during the school holidays, while the Liverpool Echo highlighted warnings to parents about the growing online trend.
This growing media interest reflects the need for greater collaboration between property owners, facilities managers, local communities and youth organisations.
Industry engagement continues to grow
The growing media attention follows strong engagement with the Safer Sites, Safer Futures campaign.
Recent industry discussions, including our webinar featuring experts from property, facilities management, retail and youth engagement, have highlighted the need for organisations to look beyond traditional security measures and better understand the changing factors influencing youth-related site breaches.
Together with our white paper, these conversations reflect a growing recognition that organisations are looking for practical guidance on how to reduce risk while protecting their sites, and young people.
Prevention starts before the perimeter
At VPS, we believe effective security starts long before someone reaches a site.
Alongside physical security measures, organisations should consider:
- Understanding local risk patterns
- Monitoring digital exposure and online activity
- Identifying vulnerable locations
- Reviewing security arrangements ahead of school holidays
- Working collaboratively with local stakeholders where appropriate
This proactive approach forms the basis of the recommendations outlined in our Safer Sites, Safer Futures white paper.
Read the research
The Safer Sites, Safer Futures white paper explores the causes behind youth-related site breaches and provides practical recommendations for organisations responsible for protecting people, property and places.
Featured In
The Safer Sites, Safer Futures discussion has helped bring greater attention to the evolving risks associated with urban exploration and youth-related site breaches.
Recent editorial coverage includes:
Better security starts now.
Our team of security experts are on hand and ready to discuss your vacant property and asset protection needs.
Our Accreditations
VPS Group business units Nexus and VPS Site Security are approved by the SIA. Within the Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) for Security Guarding, Key Holding and CCTV.
SIA approval – Nexus and VPS Site Security
