Squatters who take up residence in property that does not belong to them now face prison or a fine following the scrapping of squatters' rights.
A new law comes in on Saturday for England and Wales making it an offence for squatters to enter or occupy an abandoned or empty property without the owner's permission.
The introduction of the offence - which will carry a maximum sentence of up to six months in jail for persistent offenders, a £5,000 fine or both - follows a Government consultation on the issue last summer.
Ministers said the move would shut the door on squatters once and for all and help protect homeowners.
I personally agree been far too long that Squatters take up residence in unoccupied property & then the Landlord has the expense trying to evict them. It's difficult to prove that they have entered illegally "Breaking & Entering".
They then avoid paying rent, property tax, fuel bills...etc.
