Police Urge Teens to Avoid Climbing Mobile Masts in Cornwall

On July 7th, 2025, police in Falmouth and Helston responded to an alarming incident involving teenagers scaling a large mobile mast at Breageside, Porthleven. The youths, all in their late teens, were caught climbing on private property within a gated area, despite the clear dangers involved.

The mobile mast, connected to high-voltage electrical cables, posed substantial risks such as falls and electrocution. Police emphasized that climbing a live mast is extremely hazardous, especially considering the proximity to high-powered signals and electrical components. Engineers typically avoid working on such equipment while it’s powered on, underscoring the danger for unauthorized climbers.

A photo of the incident, shared on Facebook by the local police, highlights the reckless behavior of the teenagers who did not seem to grasp the potential consequences of their actions. The warning also addressed the low health risks associated with wireless signals, but cautioned against being close to the transmitter’s source, where exposure could exceed safety limits.

Authorities urged parents to monitor their children’s whereabouts and activities, stressing that a lack of scientific understanding should not be mistaken for common sense. While extreme sports like cliff diving and base jumping may seem risky, climbing a mobile mast presents its own unique hazards that could have serious, even fatal, outcomes.

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