| 4) Getting Inside | |
Often this will be the easiest part. Most of the places that are squattable have been left empty for some time and there will be broken or unlocked windows and doors. Some times local kids may be using the place to sleep if they've runaway and/or are homeless. Other times people may have been inside and stripped the place of its fittings for resale. Often the owner has deliberately damaged the house to ward off potential squatters.
Check all of the obvious access points - doors, windows, skylights, holes covered by board or tin etc - to see if they allow you entry into the building. Kids or people looking to find stuff to sell may have already opened one of the windows or doorways and in so doing saved you from a lot of work. If the place still seems fairly secure after checking it out, then you will need to get a bit more tricky.
Louvre (slat) windows can be easily be pulled out of their frames in most cases. Old style windows with rotating latches can often be opened by slipping the latches with a knife. Some of the newer type sliding windows can be pulled out of their frames - try pushing the window up in its frame. If all else fails you may be forced to break a window. If you end up having to do this, make sure that you clean up afterwards and repair the window as soon as possible.
Ordinary Lockwood door latches can be overcome with a crowbar and a screwdriver. Deadlocks are a bit more difficult, but not impossible to deal with. You may need 2 or 3 people, a crowbar and/or screwdrivers. Jemmy the door from the doorway and use screwdrivers to force the lock tongue and the deadlock button back into the lock. Then the door should be able to be opened. Its also worth being careful of glass panels when using a bit of force to jemmy doors open.
Roofs are always another access option. Once you are up on the roof, remove a few tiles and enter into the place through the ceiling hatch. If there is more than one of you then have someone as a lookout whilst getting into a place this way.
If you think that someone might suspect your motives or is intently watching you it is probably best to leave, remove any tools from you and the building, and to come back another time. Noisy entry work may attract attention so go there at inconspicuous times like on a weekday. People are much more wary of noise at night. Try and stay calm. Dressing in overalls or work uniform (or suits!) may help divert some of the attention of others and keep you focused on the task at hand.
You could possibly be charged with Break and Enter if the police catch you in the process of entering the building - especially if you have got tolls on you. If you do happen to get arrested and charged with Break and Enter, don't tell the police anything (apart from a name) until you get legal advice.
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 Once
You're Inside |
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