Hacker News Reader

For what it's worth in the UK that would still be trespass, a civil offence. If you had intent to burgle that would be a crime, but if you had no criminal intent it would stay a civil matter.

Edit: removed incorrect example - thanks seebee

View on HN

Not since 6 months ago: http://www.justice.gov.uk/news/features/2012/squatting-new-c...

Ah thanks, I wasn't aware of that. Squatting was a bad example then, but in general if you have no criminal intent it would still be a civil offence.

So in the UK if someone trespasses on your property, you can't call the cops to have them removed, you have to file a lawsuit?

Well, before the squatting laws were changed, effectively yes. You had to go to court, get a court order, then if they ignored that then bailiffs and possibly police.

Edit: squatting was I believe a special case as squatters gained rights as residents. If you are asked to leave and don't, I believe the police could then be asked to remove you.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com