New law threat sees squatter flee with laptop and large-screen TV

Published by Max Salsbury for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Legal, Local Government

A squatter has fled a Westminster property after being threatened with new anti-squatting laws, taking his laptop, large-screen LCD TV and furniture with him.

The squatter had been living in the Lisson Green estate home for four months. Westminster City Council's ALMO CityWest Homes had been trying for eviction over the summer but the case became delayed through the civil courts.

When the new laws came into effect on 1 September, CityWest contacted the police about the case. The squatter left after being warned that the police would be coming to make an arrest.

It is believed to be the first time that a council or a housing association has turned to the new anti-squatting laws.

The new Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 gives councils and housing associations new powers to remove squatters. Up until 1 September, squatting was treated as a civil matter. Squatters can now face up to 51 weeks in prison, a £5,000 fine or both.

Police requested that the squatter was given prior warning before taking action. When housing officers and police finally turned up to take possession of the property, they found that the squatter had left and taken all of his belongings.

Cllr Jonathan Glanz, Westminster City Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Property, said: “Councils and ordinary hardworking people across London have for too long faced lengthy legal battles to get their homes back from squatters.
 
“With these new powers, we have been able to recover a property from a squatter who was depriving a family in desperate need of a home, in a much quicker time than was previously possible.
 
“We will not tolerate the illegal occupation of our homes and will work with CityHomes and the police to take action where we need to.”
 
Mark Hoyland, chief executive of CityWest homes said: “The new police powers are a huge step forward for us, saving us so much time and money in what could have been a very drawn out process.
 
“But most importantly, we have been able to recover the property for a family who are in need.
 
“We will continue to work closely with the police and act decisively against squatters on our estates.”