Squatting becomes a criminal offence in England and Wales.

Squatting in a residential building in England and Wales becomes a criminal offence on Saturday, meaning squatters would face jail or a fine.

The maximum penalty for the offence will be six months in jail, a £5,000 fine or both.

Ministers said it would offer better protection for homeowners and “slam shut the door on squatters once and for all”.
The maximum penalty will be six months in jail, a £5,000 fine, or both.
But campaigners warned the new law could criminalise vulnerable people and lead to an increase in rough sleeping.
Currently squatting is treated as a civil matter and homeowners – including councils and housing associations – have to go to a civil court to prove the squatters have trespassed before they can be evicted.