Teenagers are using internet satellite images to spot outdoor swimming pools before meeting for late-night dips.
The new craze, known as “
dipping”, involves people using pictures from Google Earth to identify homes that have large outdoor pools. Once a venue is found, the youngsters use social networking sites including Facebook and Bebo to meet for impromptu swims and pool parties.
Police said some residents have woken up to find youngsters using their pools. Others have come home from work to find their pools full of beer cans. Those involved in the “dipping” sessions often wear fancy dress costumes, and are told to “bring a bike” so they can make a quick escape.
One group boasted on the internet that it held an event on Monday night during which 16 people visited two pools near Bournemouth, Dorset.
The group listed a specific meeting place for between midnight and 3am and gave mobile telephone numbers for the organisers.
Although there were only 16 confirmed participants at the “event”, invitations were sent to more than 500 users on the Facebook site. Comments left by admirers of the group from Bournemouth suggest that the craze may be spreading and offer encouragement for further similar events.
One message reads: “You crazy lot and your crazy antiks (sic). Don’t think I can make it but maybe I can do it on my own in London.”
A police spokesman said: “We are advising owners of swimming pools to be on their guard and extra vigilant.
“We would also warn prospective swimmers that using someone else’s pool is trespassing and therefore illegal.”
Social networking groups have previously been responsible for extensive damage to swimming pools and properties after teenagers advertised events online.
Last month, the £4.4million home of Amanda Hudson in Marbella, on Spain’s Costa del Sol, was severely damaged when gatecrashers descended on a 16th birthday party that her daughter, Jodie, advertised on Facebook.
A 400-strong group of teenagers invaded the holiday villa and threw a television set and various expensive items into the swimming pool, smashed doors, destroyed carpets and damaged walls. They also stole jewellery and clothes valued at £6,000.
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