The Google Earth gatecrashers who take uninvited dips in home-owners' swimming pools

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The craze involves using the Google Earth programme, which provides high-quality aerial photos of Britain and other countries.

Once a target is chosen, the organisers use social networking sites such as Facebook and Bebo to arrange to meet, say police.

A potential target? A pool in the back garden of a house in Dorset as seen on Google earth

Officers said that residents have woken up to find youngsters 'dipping' in their back gardens, or have come home from work to a swimming pool full of beer cans.

One group has already boasted on the internet that it held an event earlier this week.

Sixteen people are said to have gatecrashed two pools near Bournemouth.

The rules of 'dipping' often include wearing fancy dress and participants are urged to 'bring a bike' to escape if discovered.

There are fears that the craze could spread across the UK as the weather improves and pool owners leave their homes unattended while on holiday.

A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said yesterday: 'We are advising owners of swimming pools to be on their guard.

'We would also warn prospective swimmers that using someone else's pool is trespassing and therefore illegal.'

The group responsible for organising Monday's 'dipping' session listed a specific meeting place, a midnight to 3am duration and 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 Facebook.

Comments left by admirers of the group suggested that the craze could be spreading.

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.'

Social networking sites such as MySpace have previously caused trouble for families after private parties advertised online have been gatecrashed by hordes of unruly teenagers.

A £4million mansion in Marbella last month became the latest home to be invaded by uninvited guests, when they gatecrashed a girl's 16th birthday party.