Police, Travellers and Trespassers
If you're dealing with an unauthorised encampment, you may wonder whether the police have powers to remove travellers or trespassers from your land.
Will Police Evict Travellers?
Answer:
They can — but they may not be able to!
Police have discretionary powers under Section 61 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, but they often require certain thresholds to be met. If those conditions aren’t satisfied or if the landowner hasn’t taken civil steps, police may decline to act.
New Police Powers: Criminalising Unauthorised Encampments
The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 introduces new powers for the police to tackle unauthorised encampments that cause damage, disruption or distress. It creates a new criminal offence of residing on land with a vehicle without permission.
The offence is committed when someone causes significant damage, disruption, or distress. It has been carefully framed to avoid penalising those lawfully enjoying the countryside.
Maximum Penalty:
3 months' imprisonment, a fine up to £2,500 (level 4), or both.
The Act also extends police powers under Section 61 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994. This includes:
- 📌 A broader definition of "harm" including noise, disruption, and damage
- 📌 Extending the no-return period from 3 months to 12 months
- 📌 Enabling police to direct trespassers away from roads as well as land
While police now have stronger enforcement options, their intervention is still discretionary. In many cases, enforcement agents (bailiffs) continue to play a key role:
Enforcement Agents (Bailiffs) are authorised to attend land without prior notice. If trespassers or travellers refuse to leave, they can be lawfully removed without requiring a court order.
Police resources are often limited, and their definition of "significant" harm may not align with the landowner’s view — meaning they may not act, even under the new powers.
🔍 Below we explain why the Police may not be able to help!
Why Police May Not Assist in Evicting Travellers from Private Land
Landowners in the UK often face challenges when trying to remove travellers from their private property, particularly when police are reluctant to intervene. This section explores why police may not assist and provides a practical, legally grounded solution for landowners.
Why Police May Not Get Involved
- Legal Limitations: Under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 , police can direct travellers to leave private land, but only if specific conditions are met—such as damage to property, threatening behaviour, or the presence of six or more vehicles. If these criteria aren’t satisfied, police may lack the authority to act, especially when balanced against travellers’ rights under the Human Rights Act 1998.
- Avoiding Escalation: Evictions can become volatile. Police may decline to intervene if their presence could worsen tensions.
- Resource Priorities: With limited resources, police often prioritise emergencies or serious crime over trespass disputes.
Your Legal Rights as a Landowner
According to Halsbury’s Laws of England , landowners or their authorised agents have the right to remove trespassers from private property, provided this is done reasonably and lawfully. This empowers you to act when police cannot assist.
Practical Solution: Instruct UK Bailiffs
A highly effective alternative is to instruct UK Bailiffs , a professional eviction service. Acting as your agent, we can:
- Exercise Your Rights: Remove trespassers legally using powers recognised in Halsbury’s Laws of England.
- Minimise Delays: Our teams can act swiftly without court involvement.
- Ensure Compliance: Certified agents manage the process professionally and lawfully.
Benefits of Choosing UK Bailiffs
- Expertise: We operate within a strong legal framework to protect your rights.
- Speed: Fast, efficient response to reduce occupation time.
- Peace of Mind: Professional, sensitive handling of difficult situations.
Final Thoughts
When police cannot help, landowners can still act. Halsbury’s Laws of England confirms your right to remove trespassers. Instructing UK Bailiffs ensures this is done lawfully and effectively.
Visit www.ukbailiffs.co.uk or call 0330 133 1818 to get started.





