Trespassing may seem like a minor crime carried out by youths and neighbourhood cats, but trespassing can be the start of a stressful and costly period for property owners. If you own property that is often left unattended for long periods, it can become a magnet for brazen squatters claiming squatters’ rights. The truth is that squatters do have some rights and even have the right to stake a defence in UK court – at your expense. This is why it is important to protect your land from potential trespassers.
Tips to Protect Your Land from Trespasses
Securing our homes is essential for keeping ourselves and loved ones safe. Sometimes we do not apply the same level of measures to secure property that is not being used regularly or to property which is quite remote. However, both occupied and unoccupied properties should be protected from trespassers and squatters. Here are some top tips to protect your land:
- Mark your land so people can clearly see when they are on your property. Sometimes people can easily trespass onto other people’s land accidentally due to boundaries not being visible. Marking boundaries with a secure fence is always recommended.
- Being social with your neighbours is also a great way to protect your property. The friendlier you are with your neighbours the more likely you are to look out for each other and contact each other if something is suspicious.
- Check out new and innovative security products that deter trespassers and squatters. There are many to choose from.
What if You’re Too Late?
If squatters have made your property their home, you will need to follow the same legal proceedings to get them evicted as you would a bad tenant. This means you have to serve them papers to notify them that you are going to court to obtain a possession order.
The squatters then may turn up to court and make a defence. Their chances of getting the case adjourned is exceptionally low, but it does increase if you did not carry out a meticulous and law-abiding service of process, i.e. serving a notice of eviction properly. To do this, it is strongly advised to use a professional enforcement service with high knowledge of the law.
Once you do win back possession of your property, it is important to ensure you are not a target for returning or new trespassers. Lawyers do not usually do discounts for repeat customers, even unfortunate ones with more squatters.
Get Help from Able Investigations
Able Investigations offer different types of security measures to help you combat trespassing. If squatters have already nested in your property, then we can help you with the service of process procedure to ensure the judge awards you a repossession order. We can also help with the intimidating task of removing squatters from your property.
Get in touch with Able Investigations to discuss your requirements or if you require more information. Call us on 0345 366 0000 or fill out our contact form.
