Urban Exploration and Relevant Laws in NI

Request Number: FOI/15933

Category: Incident and Crime Statistics - Burglary and Theft

Subject: Urban Exploration and Relevant Laws in NI

Request and Answer: 
Your request for information has now been considered and we are not obliged to supply the information you have requested.

Request 
I am writing to request some guidance regarding the laws and potential risks in regards to the police involved in urban exploration in Northern Ireland.  My interest is in photography and documenting abandoned buildings, and before doing this activity I want to ensure I am fully aware of any legal restrictions and concerns.

In particular, I would appreciate clarification on:

Question 1
The laws around entering abandoned or derelict properties (trespassing, criminal damage, etc).

Question 2
Whether there are specific permissions or procedures required if I want to explore or photograph a site and how to go about this.

Question 3
Any other legal considerations or potential consequences I should keep in mind.

Question 4 
I would also be interested if any of this information varies or changes if the explorer is below the age of eighteen and how.  I want to make sure I pursue this interest responsibly, without causing harm, breaking the law, or creating unnecessary risks. 

Answer
Section 17(1) of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 requires the Police Service of Northern Ireland, when refusing to provide such information (because the information is exempt) to provide the applicant with a notice which:
(a) states the fact,
(b) specifies the exemption in question and
(c) states (if that would not otherwise be apparent) why the exemption applies.

The following exemption has been applied:

Section 21 - Information Reasonably Accessible by Other Means
Thank you for your request seeking clarification on the laws and permissions that may apply when entering or photographing abandoned or derelict properties.

The PSNI does not provide legal advice or specific authorisation in relation to private land or property access. However, the following information already available in the public domain may assist you in understanding the general legal framework:

Trespass and property access
Entering land or buildings without the owner’s permission may constitute civil trespass, and in some circumstances could amount to a criminal offence (for example, if damage is caused or entry is gained by force). General guidance on unauthorised entry and squatting is available on the NI Direct website: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/squatters-and-unauthorised-occupants

Permissions and photography
Permission should always be sought from the property owner or occupier before entering or photographing private premises. Photography from public locations does not normally require permission, but entry onto private land does.

Safety and liability
Derelict buildings often present significant risks. Entering such sites without consent may expose individuals to danger or liability for injury or damage.  Please the NI Direct website: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/dangerous-or-derelict-properties

Persons under 18
Young people should not enter potentially hazardous sites, and parents or guardians may bear responsibility for their safety and actions.

For general information on the law relating to property ownership, access rights and abandoned dwellings, you may also wish to consult: https://www.communities-ni.gov.uk/articles/secure-tenancies-abandoned-property

We trust this assists in locating information already available in the public domain. PSNI cannot comment on or endorse any activity that may involve entry onto private or unsafe property.