Fears have been raised for the safety of children and youngsters after they were filmed climbing onto the roof of a derelict former Sainsbury’s in the heart of Andover.
Police have been called to multiple reports of anti-social behaviour at the property in just three days.
The boarded‑up supermarket in Bridge Street has been repeatedly broken into since the start of June after hoardings around the site were pulled away, allowing groups of young people to get inside the empty building and up onto its roof.
Videos circulating on social media show children wandering through the gutted store and clambering over the structure, while a YouTube content creator has also posted footage of themselves exploring the site.
Police and Test Valley Borough Council have now issued stark warnings over the “unstable and dangerous” building, which has stood vacant for years despite attempts to sell it on.
A Hampshire Police spokesperson said: “We can confirm that between 5 and 7 June, we received multiple reports of anti-social behaviour at the Sainsbury’s building on Bridge Street.
“It was reported that groups of young people had gained access to the site and were on the roof.
“Officers have attended and moved the group on. Attempts have been made to contact the owner to secure the building further.”
Incidents involving children on the roof were reported on June 5, while an alleged assault at the site was recorded on June 7.
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Test Valley Borough Council said it is aware of the situation and has contacted those responsible for the property.
A spokesperson said: “We’re aware of videos circulating online showing young people accessing the former Sainsbury’s site and climbing on the roof.
“We want to remind young people, and their parents or carers, of the serious risks linked to entering derelict buildings.
“These sites can be unstable and dangerous, with a real risk of injury or worse.
“While the council is not responsible for the building, we’re in contact with the site’s managing agents and have asked them to strengthen security measures to prevent further access.
“Ultimately, this incident is a matter for the police and the best way to report any crime or concern is to contact them directly.
“We’re asking everyone to play their part. If you’re a parent or carer, please talk to your children about staying safe and avoiding sites like this.”
The former supermarket was built in 1998 and Sainsbury’s left the site in February 2021. It has remained empty ever since, despite sitting on a prime town‑centre plot.
According to the Land Registry, the building was last sold in October 2021 for £1.32m. There were attempts to resell the property as late as 2024, but it is not confirmed whether a sale went through. The Advertiser has attempted to contact the owners who bought the site in 2021 but has so far been unsuccessful.
Speaking about the June 7 incident, councillor Mark Farren, in a personal capacity, said it formed part of a wider pattern of concern in the town.
He said: “Any kind of violence is terrible and this latest incident is one of a long list of incidents involving young people in Andover.
“I call upon all residents to report all crime to the police.
“My thoughts are with the victim and all victims of assault but it is only through working together and the local authorities collaborating that we can make Andover a safe place for everyone.”
St Mary’s ward councillor Iris Andersen also criticised the condition of the site and those exploiting it for online content.
She said: “The building does not belong to TVBC. I am appalled that the company that owns the building have left it in a state and I don't understand why they have let it get this far.
“With the boards going off children go in there and I should also add I am very disappointed in a recent YouTube video which was uploaded of someone exploring the building. We should not be encouraging this behaviour.
“I would like to thank BID Security who have been checking the site when they can to make sure that everything is okay.”
Hampshire Police and Test Valley Borough Council are urging anyone who witnesses people entering the site, or any associated crime or anti-social behaviour, to report it to the police.
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