Any reports received of squatters must be investigated immediately and a visit to the premises completed within 24 hours by two officers for safety purposes.
If squatters are not present:
- Contact neighbours to obtain information about what they know about movements in and out of the property
- If not contract holder, relay concerns to the void officer and consider any relevant extra security required
- If the property is contract holder, relay the concerns to the contract holder
If squatters are present:
- Advise them they have no right to remain in the property
- Take any contact details they are willing to provide
- Ask the reason they have entered the property
- Signpost squatters to relevant homeless advice and support services.
- Explain that it is a criminal offence to remain in the property and the police will be contact should they fail to vacate within 2 days
- Make contact with neighbours to obtain a any information they know about the movements in and out of the property
2 days after the initial visit, a 2nd visit to the property should be made and the locks changed if the squatters have vacated.
If the squatters leave as requested, a lock change should be completed immediately, and any further security required installed. A Notice should be affixed to the door advising of the lock change, providing contact details to arrange collection of any items left in the property, which are held for 7 days.