Unwanted Christmas Traders

It is that time of year again when landlords may find a vacant unit occupied overnight by illegal traders, cashing in on the Christmas rush of must-have items. Can you regain possession of the unit and how quickly can it be done? Below is a summary of the options available if you find you have trespassers.

1. Ask them to leave pointing out that they have no right to be there. Whilst it is unlikely this will achieve the desired effect it will be evidence that they are aware they have no rights to be there. Delivery of a notice by a burly process server might do the trick.
2. It is always worth contacting the police to see if they will assist. The police have powers under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994. Generally the police are reluctant to use these powers particularly if your trader is neatly tucked in a unit but you may be lucky, even if the police are reluctant to intervene initially, persistence sometimes pays off!