Police issue derelict buildings warning following vandalism

Police in Orkney are today reminding folk in Orkney of the dangers of derelict buildings, after an abandoned dwelling house in South Ronaldsay was vandalised.

According to police, the abandoned building, near Burwick Pier, was entered sometime between Saturday, August 19, and the following Monday, with damage done to the dwelling itself and outbuildings.

Police in Kirkwall are appealing for any witnesses to the damage or observing any persons acting suspiciously in the area at the times stated.

Following the incident, Police are also warning against entering such buildings, saying they are derelict because they are too old and unstable to be in and can harbour many hazards — some you can see and others you can’t.

Police have advised of some of the dangers in derelict buildings, such as:

• the floors may be weak or rotted
• roofs could collapse at any moment
• debris will be lying around which can be trip hazards
• the properties can also contain asbestos

Anyone with any information about the vandalism at the dwelling house in South Ronaldsay is asked to get in touch with Kirkwall Police Station on 101, or crime stoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.