Dossers on the landing

IRememberItWell

A neighbour called from our block of flats to say that the cleaners had found three people dossing on a landing. They told them to go and they did. The entry lock had been 'sprung' with a kick. Now what is the position of a flat owner in such a case? If entry has been forced in such a way, are such people deemed to be intruders and will the police take action?
IRIW

stragglebod

It's arguable that they committed burgalry because they intended to cause criminal damage to the door and/or lock by kicking it to force it open

https://www.inbrief.co.uk/offences/burglary-under-the-theft-act/

SHAFT

stragglebod wrote: »

It's arguable that they committed burgalry because they intended to cause criminal damage to the door and/or lock by kicking it to force it open

They haven't committed burglary, the door was forced to enter the building and one inside they haven't committed any further offences.

[Deleted User]

SHAFT wrote: »

They haven't committed burglary, the door was forced to enter the building and one inside they haven't committed any further offences.

Breaking and entering is illegal.

Norman_Castle

As above, breaking and entering. The hallways will be private and intended for residents. Anyone else needs a valid reason and permission to be there.

SHAFT

Deleted_User wrote: »

Breaking and entering is illegal.

But there is no offence of burglary.

Norman_Castle wrote: »

As above, breaking and entering. The hallways will be private and intended for residents. Anyone else needs a valid reason and permission to be there.

Breaking and entering isn't an offence.

neilmcl

The police will not want to know.

bouicca21

Breaking and entering with intent to commit a crime is a crime in itself. Can’t prove intent, then it’s trespass. Police not interested.

Kicking the door in = criminal damage. Response speed dependent on police priorities that day, especially if they left when asked.

SHAFT

bouicca21 wrote: »

Breaking and entering with intent to commit a crime is a crime in itself. Can’t prove intent, then it’s trespass. Police not interested.

Kicking the door in = criminal damage. Response speed dependent on police priorities that day, especially if they left when asked.

Its burglary if the intent is to commit theft, damage or gbh. From memory it also used to be rape any female.

Maybe you'd be so good to inform us what the offence is if your intent is to commit any other crime?

MX5huggy

I saw this on TV the other day the police just moved them on, although I don’t think they had broken in.

Jackmydad

Mate used to have a city flat up North.
They had problems there with people getting into the hallways etc.
Police moved them on, and apparently told them quite definitely not to come back.
No more problems.