A non-­‐residential property is any building or land that is not designed to be lived in.

Simply being on another person’s non-­‐residential property without their permission is not usually a crime. Thepolice can take action if squatters commit other crimes when entering or staying in a property.

Crimes include:

  • causing damage when entering the property;
  • causing damage while in the property;
  • not leaving when they’re told to by a court;
  • stealing from the property;
  • using utilities like electricity or gas without permission;
  • fly-­‐tipping;
  • not obeying a noise abatement notice.