Police today arrested four boys on suspicion of causing criminal damage to a rooftop while taking part in the extreme sport known as free running.
The youths, all under 18 and from Stroud, Gloucestershire, are believed to have been practising the French-born sport, originally called parkour, on top of a department store.
The activity involves leaping over rooftops and using the architecture of high buildings as a launchpad for acrobatic tricks.
A Gloucestershire police spokesman, Matt Ford, said: "Youngsters taking part in free running, or parkour, in Stroud are being warned by police to give greater thought to safety and the property of others while practising their sport.
"The warning comes after officers were called to investigate damage done to the roof of the Peacocks store in Russell Street, Stroud, during the evening of January 23.
"Four boys believed to have been engaged in free running in the area, a 13-year-old and a 15-year-old from Randwick, a 16-year-old from Painswick and a 17-year-old from Stroud, were subsequently arrested on suspicion of criminal damage."
All four have been released on police bail until February 21.
Inspector Nick Holmes, of Stroud police, said that those practising free running were risking their lives.
"In this particular incident, the potential for fatal or serious injury was considerable given the height of the building and the route taken to access the rooftop," he said.
"It was surprising that no one was seriously hurt, given the circumstances.
"As well as substantial police resources, paramedics and two fire crews were called to the scene.
"Police don't want to stop youngsters from practising their chosen sport, but they need to exercise some common sense and do it where there is no risk to property or life.
"Those who don't take this request in the spirit it's intended should be aware that we will vigorously enforce the law if they trespass on private property or cause damage.
"If they are caught, perpetrators can end up facing a court appearance and a criminal record."