My door locks been changed while I was at work

FireWyrm

I'm wondering if this is a case of mistaken house.

Tomorrow morning, you need to get a locksmith out and change those locks back. Go to the police and report this as a crime and begin proceedings to prosecute.

I'm pretty sure there is only a very limited set of circumstances where this can happen and you should have been advised well in advance of this. If you havnt, then I think it is unlawful in any case.

No one can just walk the hell into your home without a court order.

Obviously, you're not going to work tomorrow. You need to start ringing round and find out who the hell thinks it's ok to go ahead and do this. I would then be banging out letters to relevant authorities as complaints.

worried48

The most obvious explanation is that someone has made a mistake and sent the locksmith to the wrong house - it could be a landlord attempting to get possession from a tenant, for example. Is there another road in the area with a very similar name perhaps?

Willing2Learn

FireWyrm wrote: »

Tomorrow morning, you need to get a locksmith out and change those locks back. Go to the police and report this as a crime and begin proceedings to prosecute.

I'm pretty sure there is only a very limited set of circumstances where this can happen and you should have been advised well in advance of this. If you havnt, then I think it is unlawful in any case.

No one can just walk the hell into your home without a court order.

Obviously, you're not going to work tomorrow. You need to start ringing round and find out who the hell thinks it's ok to go ahead and do this. I would then be banging out letters to relevant authorities as complaints.

I agree with the above. If it was legal, my understanding is that you should have received written prior correspondence and notification during each stage of any lawful process.

jd87

Yeah probably wrong house. "Ben" is the bailiff, realised he made a huge mistake and is now trying to cover his !!!!.

No offence but you sound like you live in a rough area and lots of your neighbours probably get bailiffs all the time.

Xevius

Haven't got any knowledge or advise, but just wanted to say I hope you uncover what is going on tomorrow. It sounds very scarey and exactly not what you need at the moment (not that any moment would be ideal!). I really hope you get it sorted, and if it is a case of mistaken identity, you get some sort of compensation and apology. If it is some sort of court order then surely you should have received some sort of letter. Good luck & ring your neighbour/police if anyone trys to get in the house again. Stay safe

chevalier

As others have said I am truely horrified that this happened. Good luck with sorting it out. And when not if you find this is a mistake, demand some compensation. I echo others about phoning the police, it is down right creepy having that happen to you. And they should have something on file about it, just in case.
chev

AliceBanned

If there is a police station near enough I would go to them in person. This sounds so upsetting. I think the police should be concerned.

Does sound like a mistake - in which case you can try to get compensation. Shelter are a very good charity and can give advice, though short of resources so may be difficult to get hold of - worth it when you do though. Good luck.

LannieDuck

Definitely police. If you can't get through on the non-emergency number, go in person.

MAYAN65

Are you in arrears with gas or electric? they can get a warrent for entry and use a locksmith you said your meters were buried under the stairs they sometimes walk away if they cant find or access the meters or once inside find evedience of a disability/vulnerabilty that may prevent the owner from vending.

FireWyrm

MAYAN65 wrote: »

Are you in arrears with gas or electric? they can get a warrent for entry and use a locksmith you said your meters were buried under the stairs they sometimes walk away if they cant find or access the meters or once inside find evedience of a disability/vulnerabilty that may prevent the owner from vending.

Potentially true. But that requires a court order and a warrant. The OP claims to have no knowledge of this at all. There should have been 'something' in writing before now, even if some red letters or unfriendly doorsteppers.