Does the law regarding squatters urgently needs to be changed?.

[anotheoldgit]

http://www.express.co...n-ruined-by-squatters

Why is there no protection for home-owner, when squatters move in?

Should the law now be changed, so that the legitimate owners can claim their houses back?

[trt]

I read this in my Express, its a stupid law and should be changed.

Why should hard working house owners have to pay to get them out and why are these people allowed to take over a house that doesn't belong to them, and change the locks on the doors?

Its a different law in Scotland, they get prosecuted.

[rov1200]

I wonder if the squatters can use reasonable force to keep out the owner?

In national terms countries have the right to use arms to retrieve what is rightfully theres. Think of the Falklands or even Kuwait.

Therefore shouldn't the householder be able to use force to reclaim his property?

[Iggle Piggle]

Hire a firm of bailiffs (or some club bouncers) to evict them, pay the bailiffs cash and if trouble kicks off, deny all knowledge.
I have no sympathy with parasites.

[fredpuli47]

At present squatters have to be very careful to avoid committing burglary, theft or criminal damage ;entering as trespassers and stealing water or electricity etc, or damaging doors etc; but the crafty ones can avoid committing such offences.
It would be a simple matter to make it an offence of burglary to enter a building as a trespasser with intent to deprive the owner or lawful occupier of his occupancy, or to exercise any right of his over the premises [which prevents the claim that he wasn't using them]. That would retain traditional 'squatters' rights' which are based on acquiring land over a long period without any owner there might be claiming or having acknowledged his rights to it.Such adverse possession claim is registered on the Land Registry (and the owner may object to it).
As it is, once the owner becomes aware of it, he has to go through civil process, with injunction(s).

[Iggle Piggle]

I have a law degree and I would still hire a bunch of bouncers, or bailiffs for cash and deny all knowledge if the old bill turned up.
I know it would be illegal, but where's the proof.....

[Iggle Piggle]

No your right, I didn't opt for the LPC, I rathered the route of the BVC.

[fredpuli47]

I take it you haven't practised Iggle ! Who is anyone going to be looking for? Who in the world is the only person who gains from a gang turning up and evicting squatters (by force or otherwise) from your property?

Or do you expect the court to believe that there are gangs of bouncers roaming the country evicting squatters , to no benefit to themselves, motivated by pure high-mindedness and nobility and selfless help of the owners ? If any of the perpetrators, 'bouncers', whatever, are caught prosecution counsel will have an entertaining time asking them why, exactly , they did it, and hearing what they say.And all, in fact, all the time knowingly risking certain jail sentences if they're caught ? For what? What, for a man who never asked or suggested anything, never said or anything at all which might cause them to do such a thing and, who gave them nothing?,Would you believe that?

Chances are they'd grass you up anyway, in interview and in court.Why should they go down without taking you with them?

The circumstances are enough evidence for a charge and conviction.Using force or unlawful threats in such instances are regarded as very serious.The courts don't like 'taking the law into your own hands' very much, at the best of times

[fredpuli47]

[ Edit] 'never said or DID anything..

[trt]

I am on your side Iggle, get rid of the parasites whatever it takes.

Its your house and your responsibility to put your family back in your home.

[anotheoldgit]

I wonder how long squatters would remain in 10 Downing Street, or Chequers even?