Trespasser & Squatter Removal & Enforcement – Shreeve Protection Services
Unwanted occupation of your property by trespassers or squatters—whether they are Travellers, Demonstrators, Gypsies, Romanies, or other unauthorised individuals—can cause significant disruption and legal complications. At Shreeve Protection Services, we specialise in trespassers and squatters removal, ensuring a fast, legal, and effective solution to reclaim your property. Our team operates within UK law, using common law eviction, High Court enforcement, and other legal procedures to remove unlawful occupants swiftly.
Understanding Trespass and Squatting
Trespass can be either a civil or criminal offence. It occurs when someone enters your land or property without permission. It becomes a criminal offence if criminal damage is caused to the property or land
Types of Trespass and Squatting
Occupying a Building: Legal Process and Enforcement
You need a court order for possession against the person
unknown. Shreeve can assist from start to finish, working closely with solicitors and barristers to serve documents, issue claims, and obtain possession orders. We will then
transfer the order to the High Court to remove the trespassers.
Trespass on Private Land: Your Common Law Rights
Landowners in England and Wales can use their common law rights to recover their land. If the trespasser does not leave, the possessor may use reasonable force to evict them. Certified Enforcement Agents can serve an eviction notice, giving trespassers 24 hours to vacate. If they remain, eviction can proceed.
Understanding Squatting and Legal Implications
Squatting involves unlawfully occupying unused land or uninhabited property. Tenants falling
behind on rent are not considered squatters, as they initially had permission to occupy the
property.
Types of Property
Since September 1, 2019, squatting in residential properties is illegal in England and Wales,
with penalties including up to 6 months in prison and/or a £5,000 fine.
Authority and Legal Excerpts
Halsbury’s Laws of England, Paragraph 1400, Volume 45, IVth Edition.
“If a trespasser peaceably enters or is on land, the person entitled to possession may request him to leave, and if he refuses, may remove him using no more force than necessary. If a trespasser enters with force and violence, they may be removed without a prior request. Property owners are also entitled to prevent trespassers from entering. Excessive force used in removal can constitute trespass.”
Legal Foundation of Trespass Removal
According to Halsbury’s Laws of England (Paragraph 1400, Volume 45, Fourth Edition),
landowners have the right to expel trespassers from their property. Trespassers are individuals
present on your land without your consent.
According to Halsbury’s Laws of England (Paragraph 1400, Volume 45, Fourth Edition),
landowners have the right to expel trespassers from their property. Trespassers are individuals
present on your land without your consent.
Acting Swiftly and Legally: Why Immediate Action is Necessary
If you discover trespassers on your property, act swiftly and within legal guidelines. Taking the wrong actions can lead to legal complications.
Police Involvement and Relevant Legislation:
Police can only intervene if criminal activity occurs, such as damage, theft, unauthorised use of utilities, or non-compliance with court orders. Removal from residential properties is an exception due to its illegality.
Under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, a senior police officer may direct trespassers to leave if:
- Two or more people are trespassing with the intent to reside there.
- Reasonable steps have been taken by or on behalf of the occupier to ask them to leave.
- Any of the trespassers have caused damage, disruption, or distress, or there are six or more vehicles on the land.
Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994:
The Police, Crime, Sentencing, and Courts Act 2022 further enforces this, stating that:
- A person aged 18 or over residing or intending to reside on land without consent, with at least one vehicle, causing or likely to cause significant damage, disruption, or distress, must leave when requested. Failure to comply constitutes an offence.
Our Expertise in Property Protection and Enforcement
Shreeve Protection Services has the knowledge and experience to streamline the process and reduce the stress of the situation. Our enforcement operatives are excellent communicators, skilled negotiators, and knowledgeable of common law rights. They ensure clear communication with trespassers about the consequences of remaining on site.
Why Choose Shreeve Protection Services for Trespassers and Squatters Removal?
With years of experience and established relationships, we offer the best solutions for trespassers and squatters removal. Acting as the landowner’s agent, we can lawfully remove trespassers using common law, avoiding lengthy and expensive court proceedings. If the court process is required, we can manage it or act as enforcement agents.
Post-Removal Services to Secure Your Property
Whether you are currently dealing with unauthorised occupation or aiming to prevent future issues, our range of services can help. Mobile patrols and vacant property inspections deter trespassers and ensure regular monitoring. Many vacant property insurance policies require regular inspections to maintain coverage.
Contact Us for Immediate Trespassers and Squatters Removal
Contact Shreeve Protection Services Today For Trespassers and Squatters Removal, To Secure Your Property And Regain Peace Of Mind.
For more information about us or give us a call on 0203 599 8155 or submit a contact request today and we will be happy to arrange an initial consultation free of charge with no obligation to you.
What Our Clients say about us!
I can’t recommend them highly enough. We will most certainly be running these events at least annually and Shreeve will be right at the top of our list to work with again!
Smart, professional and friendly company. They also have special rates for business startups and charitable events with the same five star service they provide for big companies . Thanks Jay and team for helping us throughout the charity event and even volunteering when we were short staffed!
I would use Shreeve again for any similar service, and I and my daughter will recommend them to anyone else we know who has a security requirement. Many thanks to the Shreeve team, you went above and beyond to provide a first class service.
