With Guernsey Police recently issuing warnings against entering derelict buildings, a man has told Express why he enjoys urban exploring.
Mr Guernsey Explorer has Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok accounts which he uses to document his adventures.
He made contact with Express in June after youngsters were revealed to have been inside buildings bearing warning signs about exposed asbestos.
At the time, a police spokesperson confirmed that officers had recently dealt with incidents involving young ‘urban explorers’.
“In recent months, officers have responded to a number of reports involving young people gathering in abandoned buildings and, on occasion, committing offences like criminal damage while inside,” the police spokesperson said.
“This growing trend not only endangers those young people but also risks the safety of emergency services attending these callouts.
“Abandoned buildings often present significant risks, from questionable structural integrity and smashed glass to health hazards like asbestos and black mould. There is also the danger of potential injuries while entering or exiting these premises.”
The videos shared to Tik Tok at the time of that warning had shown youngsters entering identifiable premises including the St Margaret’s Lodge Hotel and the Castel Hospital.
Mr Guernsey Explorer told Express that “yes, there are dangers if done wrong” but he said “it’s not what people think it is”.
“I’ve been doing it for many, many years now in Guernsey and the UK,” he said.
“If I think a place is dangerous I don’t enter myself. I look around the place first to note dangers. I then explore it wearing gloves and a mask.
“I deplore vandalism of these places. I’ve met a few explorers and talked to a few who do it by the book. The rules of exploring is go in take pictures and videos, and leave nothing but footprints.”
Mr Guernsey Explorer said he first started urban exploring when he was 15.
The first site he explored was the old Royal Hotel site, which was first damaged by fire in 1992, before further fires. The site has been redeveloped and is now the home of finance and legal businesses, as well as apartment complexes and a shop.
Mr Guernsey Explorer said he finds visiting sites of interest – like the old Royal Hotel site – relaxing.
“I’ve been doing urban exploring since I was around 15. I did the Royal Hotel first. I did that one just after the great fire.
“I find it very relaxing not being around people.”
Some of the sites Mr Guernsey Explorer visits are linked to the Occupation.
Mr Guernsey Explorer said he respects all the sites he visits, and doesn’t condone anyone damaging other people’s property.
“I’m not one to go in and destroy the places as to me it’s all about the history of what the places were.
“Yes it’s dangerous. There’s stuff over head, stuff under feet when walking, but I do it professionally with gloves, masks, and torches.
“Sometimes I have a pole to prod the floor. If it goes through floor I leave as it’s not safe.”
As a more mature urban explorer, Mr Guernsey Explorer said he has tried to teach younger hobbyists how to do it safely.
“I agree it’s a craze at the moment, and I’ve warned the teens of the dangers.
“We all know what teens are like. They’re fearless till they do get hurt, but as I said I do it by the rules and rule number one is only take pictures and videos and leave nothing but footprints not destruction.”