Paranormal Investigators - NOT.

Many people would like to investigate the paranormal. Some want to prove it real - others to prove it false. That's OK. Chances are, proof either way will not come easily.

But for many young adventurers there are pitfalls - and not only the moaning chain-rattling type.

You might just take a moment to read about the Ghost Hunters and the Cliff.

There are two big problems with the immature and inexperienced setting off on their big Ghost Hunting Adventure.

Firstly, they are unlikely to gain appropriate permission of entry. Trespass is trespass and it's illegal for a number of reasons, not least because you can be very badly injured when you invade a property that you do not know well. Often it is in a state of disrepair and apart from obvious dangers such as walls and roof falls, holes in the floor, exposed nails, broken glass etc... there are other less visible dangers. Such as asbestos.

If you enter a property illegally and are badly injured, don't expect the landowner's insurance to cover you. It might. Or it might not.

Of course, there is the other problem. It might seem fun - getting a little group together for a spot of Ghostbusting, but if the physical dangers don't get you, then there are other things. Depending on the individual situation you could be walking into a psychic mine field. It might be that you subconsciously open up to suppressed thoughts and emotions that cannot be dealt with in your conscious state. Or it might be that something very nasty might get a hold of you. Don't worry about which argument is right - the Skeptics and the True Believers have one thing in common - you will be putting yourself at risk.

Before indulging in any 'harmless fun' it really pays to make sure that you know what you are doing, take precautions and ensure that others know where you are going. It's common sense really.

Best option is to find a ghost tour. Or locate a group of experienced investigators with an ultimate view to becoming one of them.

What ever you do - it's not worth taking risks.