A RECENT increase in teenagers climbing on roofs in the city centre has been slammed by police.

Officers in Winchester have reported multiple occasions of young people climbing on buildings and have said it is a waste of police time.

The most recent incident occurred on October 13, when a group of teenagers climbed onto the roof of the disused River Park Leisure Centre.

Hampshire Chronicle:

A police spokesman said: "On Thursday October 13 some of you may have seen a flurry of emergency services at River Park Leisure Centre. This was in response to a group of teenagers who had climbed up onto the roof of a building and managed to get themselves stuck. We attended along with colleagues from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service to help get them back down to safety.

READ MORE: Winchester City Council leader slams River Park Leisure Centre campaigners for plans to appeal decision

"Over recent weeks we’ve had a number of reports of young people climbing onto roofs in the city centre and put simply, it is not acceptable. Not only does it put people at risk of serious injury, but it is also an unnecessary use of emergency services time.

"We will continue to review reports of anti-social behaviour to help us identify those involved and plan our resources to help tackle this issue.

"If anyone witnesses this or any other type of anti-social behaviour, please report it to us by calling 101 or online at https://orlo.uk/kh826."