Securing Premises

Question 1

Premises should never be left unoccupied and insecure after forced entry, as liability for any loss may arise. Officers in charge should make every attempt to prevent such loss by ensuring the property is made secure without incurring a liability for costs on behalf of police. What does this generally mean?

Answer 1

• Liaising with the owner or occupier to secure their own property. If necessary and practicable, offer to wait for a specified period of time for the owner or occupier, or an agent, to arrive to do this, OR
• AT THE OCCUPIERS OR OWNERS REQUEST, engaging a contractor to make the premise secure on the understanding that the occupier or owner will bear the cost, OR
• Attending staff effecting a temporary repair where feasible, EG by boarding up a window.
  Refer to part 16 – Property damage incurred during searches or exercise of statutory powers of the search chapter on Ten One police instruction for further information