AN appeal has gone out to discourage children from the dangers of climbing onto roof tops.

As the school holidays approach North Wales Police officers are encouraging parents to educate their children about the dangers of playing on the top of buildings.

During school holidays officers often see a rise in children and youngsters trespassing on properties.

Officers are now liaising with parents via school newsletters and local policing teams will be increasing patrols around large-scale buildings such as schools to deter trespassing.

Sergeant Beth Jones, of the Community Safety Department, North Wales Police, said: “We are reminding children about the dangers of trespassing – especially climbing onto rooftops.

“History has shown that unauthorised access to premises and climbing onto roofs can seem an attractive and exciting activity for children.

"They are not always intent on causing mischief either, as all too frequently accidents occur when youngsters venture onto roofs to retrieve footballs that have been inadvertently kicked onto the buildings.

“Roofs are often not designed to withstand the weight of people walking across them and are seldom provided with barriers at the edge to prevent falls.

"Some roofing materials and features such as skylights may be particularly fragile so pose one of the greatest risks of people falling through.

Sgt Jones added: “We are appealing to parents to speak to their children to warn them of the dangers of climbing onto buildings. The consequences of falling from a height are simply not worth the risk.”

Anybody who witnesses children trespassing or climbing onto rooftops is asked to contact North Wales Police on 101. In an emergency always dial 999.