SQUATTERS

You may have read recently the story where a young man from Latvia gained entry into a 10 million pound empty property through an open bathroom window and began squatting. He then sent word to his friends in Latvia to come over and join him because according to him ‘Britain is one of the few countries where it is easy to do’. He also told a reporter ‘The law states…if there is any empty building which is not being used, you can put it to use in any way you see fit and what a shame to not get the most of this place’.

The 10 million pound property in London reportedly boasted 10 bedrooms, four bathrooms and a swimming pool in the upmarket area of Highgate, where neighbours are millionaire bankers and celebrities.

Squatting is an ancient practice, yet the last 12 years in Britain has seen a spectacular rise in the number of people who have taken over empty properties. British law states occupation of empty properties is a civil, not a criminal, matter in England and Wales, unless entry is forced. Police can act only if the squatters commit offences such as theft or criminal damage.

It is therefore vital to act quickly of you discover trespassers or squatters in your property. You should be able to remove them quite legally within a two week period, providing you go about the process correctly. Remember to never use force or threats as this could result in getting yourself a criminal record.