NEWS and Updates
🛑 Myth Buster: Evicting Travellers, Trespassers & Rough Sleepers – What the Law Really Says
Unauthorised encampments on private land can cause serious disruption—yet many landowners hesitate to act because of common myths. Misinformation leads to costly delays, uncertainty, or even unlawful actions.
In this post, UK Bailiff Services Ltd sets the record straight by debunking the 10 most widespread myths about evicting travellers, trespassers, and rough sleepers.
✅ Myth 1: “You need a court order to evict travellers or rough sleepers.”
Fact:
Under common law, landowners can remove trespassers—including travellers and rough sleepers—without a court order. This is supported by Halsbury’s Laws of England, which permits landowners or their agents to remove individuals who refuse to leave when asked.
However, if trespassers have entered and secured
a building (e.g. locked doors), then a court order may be required
to lawfully re-enter and take possession.
✅ Myth 2: “I can just evict them myself.”
Fact:
While landowners have the right to remove trespassers, doing so without the proper training or precautions can result in legal and physical risks.
UK Bailiff Services uses Certificated Enforcement Agents
who are fully insured, professionally trained, and experienced in dealing with complex encampments—including those involving repeat occupiers or known traveller families. Our process includes detailed risk assessments, strategic planning, and full compliance with health and safety standards.
✅ Myth 3: “They’ll just come back—evictions don’t stick.”
Fact:
Although there is no law preventing someone from returning after a common law eviction, a well-managed, professional eviction is an effective deterrent.
At UK Bailiffs, we have a 97% success rate
in preventing re-occupation. Our speed, professionalism, and familiarity with recurring individuals or groups allow us to respond swiftly and assertively.
✅ Myth 4: “You have to give 24 hours’ notice.”
Fact: Notice periods under common law are flexible. While 24 hours is standard in some cases, UK Bailiffs often acts within 2 hours, especially when the encampment is disruptive or poses safety concerns.
✅ Myth 5: “Police will deal with it.”
Fact:
Eviction of trespassers is generally a civil matter, not a police responsibility. The police may attend to prevent a breach of the peace, but will not conduct the eviction unless specific criminal offences are being committed or public order legislation applies.
UK Bailiffs notifies local police before all actions and works in tandem with authorities to ensure public safety and legal compliance.
✅ Myth 6: “Using force means I’m breaking the law.”
Fact: Under common law, reasonable force may be used to remove trespassers—provided it is proportionate and necessary. Our enforcement agents are trained to act lawfully and proportionately, with every action supported by risk assessment and careful documentation.
✅ Myth 7: “It’s easier to pay them to leave.”
Fact: Offering money to trespassers may seem like a quick fix, but it creates long-term problems. It encourages repeat incursions and makes your site a target. A lawful eviction with professional oversight is faster, cheaper, and far more effective.
✅ Myth 8: “It’s just about land rights—human concerns don’t matter.”
Fact: UK Bailiffs always balances enforcement with human dignity and welfare. We carry out risk and welfare assessments before any eviction. Where children or vulnerable adults are present, we notify social services and ensure safeguarding responsibilities are met, in compliance with Article 8 of the Human Rights Act 1998.
✅ Myth 9: “Court orders are stronger—they last longer.”
Fact: Court orders are useful in specific cases such as locked buildings or where resistance is high. However, for most unauthorised land encampments, common law evictions are faster, more efficient, and just as enforceable.
✅ Myth 10: “You can’t evict rough sleepers—they have special protections.”
Fact: Rough sleepers can be lawfully removed if trespassing on private land. We serve proper notice and conduct a respectful, compliant process. If welfare concerns exist, we notify appropriate agencies before proceeding.
🚀 Why Use UK Bailiff Services?
| ✅ Feature | 🔍 What We Deliver |
|---|---|
| Fast response | Enforcement agents on-site within 2 hours of instruction |
| Certified professionals | Fully trained, insured, experienced agents |
| Strategic risk planning | Detailed risk and welfare assessments |
| Previous case experience | Knowledge of common traveller groups and repeat occupiers |
| Legal compliance | Actions based on common law or court order where required |
| High success rate | 97%+ of encampments resolved without return |
📞 Take Control – Instruct Us Today
Don’t fall victim to legal myths or costly mistakes. Whether you're facing travellers, rough sleepers, or trespassers:
- ✅ We act quickly
- ✅ We operate lawfully
- ✅ We get results
📍 Contact UK Bailiff Services Ltd today.
UK Bailiffs Travellers Trespassers and Rough Sleepers
