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23
Aug 2024
'An accident waiting to happen’: children climb on Harrogate town centre roofs
Youths have been spotted climbing on the roofs of Cambridge Crescent in the centre of Harrogate.
There have been reports of children climbing on the roof of Cambridge Crescent, which is home to the Stray Ferret offices as well as a number of banks and cafés.
They have been climbing up and over the back of Cambridge Café to access the roof space.
Christina from The Cambridge Café, told the Stray Ferret that is in an ongoing issue and she has reported it to North Yorkshire Police.
She said:
There appears to be different groups of teenagers, and they keep coming back, it is often mixed gender groups.
It has always been a problem here and there is no one to manage it. I have seen them lots of times and they come throughout the day and late at night.
They aren’t frightened and think it is a thrill. The only time I don’t see them is if it rains.
While the various banks, Santander, Lloyds and NatWest, couldn’t officially provide comment they all confirmed they have experienced the same issues over a number of years and think it is a serious problem.
Christina added:
I am worried about them causing damage or about them falling, it is an accident waiting to happen. The police are aware but because they haven’t broken anything there isn’t much we can do.
I am sick of it really. We can’t do anything, and I feel frustrated that they can continue. I think a lot of the neighbours here are annoyed about it too.
The Stray Ferret on Cambridge Crescent in Harrogate.
The Stray Ferret has been liaising with the landlord of the property who has been in contact with the police.
We asked the force if they were aware of the issue and what could be done to prevent it.
The police said that investigations are ongoing.
A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said:
I can confirm that North Yorkshire Police officers attended an address at Cambridge Crescent, Harrogate (20 August) following a report received at around 05:26am concerning suspicious behaviour.
Anyone who has concerns about suspicious behaviour should report these to the police by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency.
Investigations into this incident are ongoing.
CCTV footage captured by Cambridge Café.
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