England 14/09/2013 – Now that squatting in residential properties is a criminal offense, commercial property owners are reporting more incidents in their premises.
In September 2012, the UK government changed the law so that people who were caught squatting in residential properties could be arrested and prosecuted. Within weeks of the law passing heavy fines of up to £5,000 and prison sentences of up to 6 months, were being handed out. This had a marked effect on the level of squatting. Many councils reported a drop in the number of squatters occupying houses in their area.
The changes in the law were designed to prevent people going on holiday or into hospital only to find, upon their return, that a squatter had occupied their home. Something that was happening more frequently, in all areas of the UK. In some areas squatters were no longer simply looking for boarded up buildings to live in they were actually targeting people’s homes. This fact helped the government to push through the necessary legislation to make squatting a criminal, rather than a civil offence.
However, as predicted, the changes in the law have not been good news for all property owners. There is growing evidence that squatters are now targeting commercial buildings. As early as November 2012, the FT was reporting that squatters were actively targeting commercial buildings.
Pubs seemed to be a favourite, in particular in affluent areas. The Cross Keys in Chelsea, which was occupied by squatters, is just one of many examples. However, there are also a lot more squatters occupying warehouses and offices. Commercial law specialists like http://www.capitallaw.co.uk, are being approached by more firms than ever before asking for help to evict squatters who are occupying their offices, factories and warehouses.
Calls to make squatting in commercial buildings a criminal offence
Understandably, there are now calls for the government to step in and make squatting in commercial buildings a criminal offence. Only last week Lambeth councillors formally asked the government to consider doing so. Chris Grayling, is said to be “sympathetic to the problem” of commercial property squatters, which has given those who are concerned about this growing problem hope that the law will change, and change soon.
