Police have linked a rise in break-ins at derelict buildings in Renfrewshire to young people filming their visits for social media.
Councillors heard that Houston, Crosslee and Linwood recorded 15 housebreaking crimes, compared with one during the same period last year.
The details were presented to Renfrewshire Council’s Police and Fire and Rescue Scrutiny Sub-Committee on Tuesday, 27th October 2026.
Across Renfrewshire, police recorded 105 housebreaking crimes between 1st April and 31st August 2026, an increase of 32.9%.
Officers said the rise was mainly linked to commercial premises and public buildings. A large part of the increase in Houston, Crosslee and Linwood was attributed to the social media trend known as urban exploration.
Police described young people breaking into derelict premises and then posting their visits online.
Councillors also heard that nine break-ins at places of worship had been reported during the period. Police said two male repeat offenders had been identified as responsible.
Officers are offering crime prevention surveys to vulnerable premises and using social media to raise awareness of the risks to young people entering derelict buildings.
During questions, police said they were working closely with building owners to improve security while properties await demolition or redevelopment.
They said the aim was to keep buildings sealed and safe and reduce opportunities for crime and antisocial behaviour.
The housebreaking increase came despite a 3.9% fall in overall crimes of dishonesty, to 1,584. Police reported reductions in shoplifting, common theft and crimes targeting motor vehicles.
The crime figures are provisional Police Scotland management information, rather than official statistics.