W2 OF08 Property 2 Tresspass and Unlawfully on Property Flashcards
What is Section 3 of the Trespass Act 1980?
Trespass after warning to leave
What is Section 4 of the Trespass Acct 1980
Trespass after warning to stay off
What is Section 5 of the Trespass Act 1980?
Delivery of warnings - a warning under section 3 or section 4 shall be given to the individual person concerned whether orally, or by notice in writing.
What is Section 9 of the Trespass Act 1980?
Demanding details of identity.
Obligation to give name and other particulars
What is Section 56 of the Crimes Act 1961?
Defence of land or building
- everyone in peaceable possession of any land or building is justified in using reasonable force to prevent any person trespassing as long as they do not strike or do bodily harm to that person
For Section 29(1)(a) or (c) of the Summary offences Act 1981 list the elements of being found on property
The person must be:
Found - proven by: to be seen, to be discovered, to come upon.
Without reasonable excuse
In - proven by: physically inside of
or
On - proven by: physically on
Any building - proven by: a structure with a roof and walls.
or
Any aircraft, any hovercraft, any ship, ferry or other vessel, any train, any vehicle
For Section 29(1)(b) of the Summary Offences Act 1981 list the elements of being found on property
The person must be:
Found - proven by: to be seen, to be discovered, to be come upon
Without reasonable excuse
In - proven by: physically inside of
Any enclosed yard or other such area - proven by: an enclosed yard, garden or area, appurtenant to a building.
Define ‘found’
to be seen
to be discovered
to come upon
Define ‘without reasonable excuse’
This phrase has not been defined by law but broadly means there is no reason for the person to suppose they are allowed or have a right to be on the property.
What are the powers of arrest for ‘Being Found on Property’?
Section 39(1) of the Summary Offences Act 1981 provides the police with a power to arrest without warrant for this offence
What are the procedures for dealing with a ‘Being Found on Property’ complaint?
Responding to a complaint:
- obtain details of the complaint
- check if a police dog is available
- approach quietly and park away from address
- cordon address, ensuring escape routes are covered
- search grounds thoroughly
- interview victim and obtain all details necessary to prove the offender has been “found”.
- examine scene to gather evidence for a charge
Factors:
- always ensure offender located has no authority to be on the property
- do not assume there is only one offender
- consider if offender has committed other offences
- dogs can be used to backtrack an offender
What are the differences between peeping or peering and being found on property?
Peeping or peering is a specific offence used when someone is caught watching people in a house or loitering on land for that purpose.
What is the difference between Sections 29(1)(a) and (c) and Sections 29(1)(b)?
Sections (a) and (c) relate to being found on property without reasonable excuse in a building or transport.
Sections (b) relate to being found on property without reasonable excuse in an enclosed yard or area..
What is the Act and Section used for “being found on property”?
Section 29 of the Summary offences Act 1981
What is the penalty for “being found on property”?
imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months or a fine not exceeding $2000
What are the procedures for dealing with an offence against Section 3 on the Trespass Act 1980?
Trespass After Warning to Leave
Obtain full particulars of complaint and ensure the Victim is an occupier
Ascertain all facts
Ensure the offender is a trespasser
If trespass has been comitted either:
Arrest for offence under section 3
or
If person leaves peacefully:
- record full particulars
- if occupier requests warn trespasser to stay off and inform them that they commit an offence if they return within 2 years.
or
If person refuses to leave:
confirm warning by having occupier ask trespasser to leave in your presence; if continued refusal to leave
- ask victim in front of trespasser, “Do you wish me to act on your behalf?”
- if victim consents, warn trespasser to leave
- give them reasonable time to leave
- if they still refuse to leave you can arrest them.
What are the procedures for dealing with an offence against Section 3 on the Trespass Act 1980?
Obtain full particulars of victim and ensure he/she is the lawful occupier.
Ascertain all facts of complaint:
• establish that there was a warning within the last two years to stay off that place
• check for any documentary proof of the warning.
Speak to offender:
• if possible, obtain acknowledgement of previous warning
• seek an explanation from offender
If not acknowledged, satisfy yourself that victim has made correct identification.
Warn to leave and if he / she refuses, use your discretion to arrest.