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Trespassers (squatters) – What happens if the squatters fail to leave by deadline?

If the squatters do not leave by the deadline set, the Police must be notified and a request for an arrest should be made:

  • Section 144 of Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 states it is a criminal offence for a person to be in a residential building as a trespasser; have entered as a trespasser; where they know or ought to know they are a trespasser and they live or intend to live in the building.
  • Section 17 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 amended to give police the power to enter premises to make an arrest. Power limited to uniformed police officers.
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