Police are warning of the dangers of a craze that is currently sweeping Guildford town centre.

A number of areas within the town centre have recently been identified as ideal locations for “parkour”, or free running, a relatively new urban activity with the aim of moving from one point to another as efficiently and quickly as possible, using principally the abilities of the human body to overcome any obstacles along the way, which can be anything in the surrounding environment — from branches and rocks to rails and concrete walls. Parkour can be practiced in both rural and urban areas and embraces the philosophy that urban obstacles are not barriers but a challenge to be overcome by those who take part.

Locations currently proving popular with parkour participants in Guildford include the Friary Centre, local flats, and several busy car parks in the town centre.  Parkour enthusiasts are also using the road bridges, swinging across the river using the road bridge and then crossing three lanes of traffic to go down the other side which is incredibly dangerous. Other popular locations include restaurant rooftops and subways.

Guildford Community Safety Sergeant Tina Griffiths said: “We are not trying to ruin people’s fun, but this is a really dangerous activity, which could potentially cause injury to innocent passers-by as well as those who take part. We have already spoken to a number of people involved in parkour and given them advice about moving on.

She added: “Most of the time, the participants have taken this advice but we urge participants to think very seriously about coming to Guildford and indulging in this dangerous pastime which poses a serious risk to themselves and to others.”

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Lorraine Kerswill, Tel: 01483 444210
Communications Officer for Safer Guildford Partnership

Nicola Burress, Tel: 01483 653924  
Press and Publicity Officer for West Surrey Police