Traveller & Squatter Evictions

Traveller Eviction Specialists

When an encampment appears, the wrong response risks your land, reputation, and people. You need clear legal judgement, cool-headed control, and evidenced proceedings that you can stand behind afterwards. Able’s certificated enforcement officers are trained to manage these situations professionally and with de-escalation at the centre, so your land is reclaimed without the situation spiralling.

The Legal Basis for Action

When considering traveller and squatter eviction, there are two primary laws to be aware of:

• Common Law: This route allows a landowner to remove trespassers from their private land, using no more force than is reasonably necessary. Authorised enforcement agents like our team can act on their behalf, guaranteeing safety from the trespasser and the law.
• Section 77 (Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994): If the travellers or squatters are on public land, the local authority can direct them to leave. If they refuse, enforcement action follows. We support councils through every stage and legality, including notices, on-site management and full documentation.

Speed comes from certainty, but knowing the law is only half the battle. A problem-free eviction comes from planning the correct route, executing it decisively, and responding appropriately to escalation when pressure is high.

Our Step-by-Step Process

1. Initial assessment: To plan a response, it’s important we see the situation for ourselves. We will not engage at this point; thermal drones mean we can do reconnaissance and identify risks before our officers even step on the ground. We will check access and safety risks and get an idea of the scale of the situation, and return to you with our recommendations.
2. Notice and communication: We serve the correct legal notice and make contact, communicating respectfully and calmly to reduce tensions. This is usually done within 24 hours of our assessment.
3. Attendance and oversight: Our officers attend to oversee their departure and control attempts at escalation or defiance.
4. Enforcement support: If non-compliance continues, we will respond in kind within the law. This can include specialist resources like vehicle support as needed.
5. Handover and next steps: Once the site is cleared and secure, we document the proceedings and provide you with a report of what happened.
6. Clearance and Preventing Re-Entry: If waste, biohazards, or animals are left behind, we can arrange for legally compliant disposal and remediation. We can also support and advise on measures to reduce the risk of this occurring again.

Every encampment is different. The land, access points, numbers on site, and any immediate risks all affect our strategy Throughout the process, we keep you informed and document what happens. If you are unsure of anything, contact us. We will run you through your options and the legal process, and advise on the safest route forward.

Discipline, De-escalation, Documentation

You cannot afford a scene. You need a professional presence that keeps the situation calm, and you protected.

Our certificated officers are trained in conflict management, and we have over 30 years’ experience handling high-pressure situations where emotions can run high and there is risk of violence. We communicate clearly with all parties and stay firmly within the legal limits of action at every stage. Body-worn cameras and detailed reporting provide transparency and accountability, helping protect you from reputational risk, complaint, or dispute.

What Our Clients Have to Say

“The residents were simply ordinary people and rather scared. Their previous experience from encampments has been of hostility and abuse. I had people contacting me throughout the day, frightened to go out. Quite a few panicked when they could see more and more caravans arriving. So, the professionalism of your team was very reassuring that you did know what to do and had the means to do it.” - Bev Field, Stadhampton Parish Council

“I will not hesitate to use your services should it be needed again. The police and my colleagues were very impressed with the efficiency and professional attitude of your officers.” - Robert Gregory, Eurotunnel

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