Ho Ho Ho!

Holiday blessings to you and yours!  And please don't hesitate to call or e-mail if I can assist you with your real estate plans!

UKUNCUT HOUSING ACTION: 08/12

Last Saturday a few of us attended an action on Upper Street, Angel that was organized by ukuncut and housing for the 99%. Tax dodging Starbucks was the target of choice for anti cuts activists and a temporary shelter was set up in front of the cafe to highlight how government cuts are impacting those in vulnerable housing. Curtains were put up over the facade, much to the confusion of coffee sipping customers, and a dining table was positioned in front of the main entrance with a selection of house warming treats. 

Although the original plan had been to set up inside Starbucks itself, this was prevented by a large police presence. The shop was forced to close though for approximately an hour as talks were held by the large group gathered outside. The action received an overwhelming amount of support from passersby and overall was a huge success. Here’s the pic’s!

The gathering outside Starbucks, Upper Street.

Talks by various housing related groups including Housing for the 99%, DIGS and Fuel Poverty Action

Placard of the day - ‘too little, too latte’

Squat activist Pete the Temp talks about squatting and homelessness

Sadly, this will be the case for many next year

Getting the message out to Islington

After being moved on from outside Starbucks, we crossed to road to target another tax dodger - Foxtons!!

Pete blows the horn of justice at Foxtons staff

Last talk of the action before heading off to a local pub for some well deserved refreshmentPhotos By Anthony Mortarelli 

LONDON HOUSING SOLIDARITY MEETING 2012

• Tenants, travellers and squatters:

  Sick and tired of being ripped off? Been bullied by bailiffs? Moved on with no place to go? You're not alone. 

  Join us for an afternoon of housing related discussion, strategizing and networking. Talks from various groups on upcoming campaigns & actions alongside performances from London's finest housing activists. 

  Saturday 24th Nov 2012. Discussion from 14.00 - 18.00. Colorama 2, 44-48 Lancaster Street,
  London SE1 0RY 
  
  *Enquires:evictionresistance[at]squat.net 07591 415860*
  
  An eviction for one is an eviction for all.

  
  

FAREWELL, COMRADE!

Keith Robin, the founder and inspiration for the Eviction Resistance Network, sadly passed away last month after suffering a sudden brain haemorrhage. An inspiration to many, he will leave a massive hole in the heart of the squatting movement. All those who knew him loved him, and all those he knew he loved. He is sorely missed by us and that is why we have taken a short break to allow ourselves to grieve. He contributed greatly to this blog and, as a close comrade, these are what I guess would have been his last words for the eviction resistance blog:

‘One in 7 people on this planet squat. You are not alone. Housing is a human right. Fight back! Resist! Community power! Whatever they say, SQUATTING WILL STAY!!'

Solidarity and much love to all. 

Pricing Distressed Properties

I recently showed a property that was listed for $70,000 in a neighborhood where many similar properties sold in the $120,000 to $140,000 range.  As soon as my buyers pulled in the driveway, they were spouting off defects and the price tag to fix them.

It didn't get any better when we walked inside.  The windows were old, the carpet was shot and there was an active leak in the basement.

Much to

Vote for My Photo Please :0)

It's Hot around Park Ave Especially for Investment Property!

The temperatures may be falling but the real estate climate around Park Ave is super hot, especially for multi-family investment property.  In the past six weeks or more, I've heard from many investors and want-to-be investors and when we secure an appointment to view these properties, there are usually two or more other investors looking at the same time.

A little free advice here for new

A TRIP TO THE NEWLY OPENED 'HOBO HILTON'

Entrance to the Hobo Hilton

Early yesterday evening on Saturday 6^thOctober we visited the newly opened office building 'Hobo Hilton' , at 203 High Holborn, which has apparently been empty since 2003.

This squatted space was a hive of activity. The welcome desk in the foyer was surrounded by many excited visitors, including quite a large media group .Despite the name this newly opened project, which has been formed by a number of groups including Occupy, doesn’t have an open door policy  to simply house homeless people, though shelter does seem to be a part of what The Hobo Hilton has on offer.

 Raising public awareness of the massive housing crisis this country is in, the consequences of the savage financial cuts those in power are still in the process of inflicting  on the infrastructure of our society and the dangers we all face if the issues of climate change are dealt with by yet more cuts and green wash.are on the agenda for this activist hub .A mix of informative workshops and direct action are the tools of choice for the people involved in this project. On offer on Saturday, which was an open day was a very fine banner making session, a beautiful and thought provoking art exhibition provided by a number of artists and an entertaining  cabaret in the evening. All free.

We recommend a visit sooner rather than later (court coming up this week) Donations of useful items, food, your time or  suggestions on how to use the space would all be welcome. 

Facebook Group here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/437626852950239/?fref=ts

Daily Mail Article (!):

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2211854/Lloyds-Banking-Group-Protesters-control-bank-worth-750k-affluent-suburb.html

Demotix Pics:

http://www.demotix.com/news/1484395/hobo-hilton-opens-its-doors-central-london

Showing Stress

I work hard when I take a listing.  My days are filled with putting out signs, taking photos, verifying tax bills, writing ad copy, calling utility companies and much, much more.  But my job is much easier than most homeowners.

When a house is on the market, a home owner must clean the gutters, manicure the lawn, paint the front door, hind the trash cans and that's just with hopes to have

Sad Day in Honeoye Falls

General Motors announced that it is closing its Fuel Cell Facility in Honoeye Falls today. This will have a huge impact on this tiny village's economy. GM has offered jobs in Michigan to many of the workers but I'm betting there will soon be a flood of nice homes on the market in Honeoye Falls and Mendon.

HACKNEY PUB 'THE SCREW' NAILS RESISTANCE!!!

A successful eviction resistance in Hackney squatters' local 'The Screw' this morning. Despite an overwhelming early start to the resistance (a plethora of bailiffs and private security guards with very angry dogs) the numbers of the resistance gradually swelled to an impressive 30/35 strong crowd. After a two hour standoff, numerous cups of tea and slices of melon, the forces of darkness eventually left the derelict pub and it's occupants in peace - much to the delight of the resistance! 

A much needed success considering the newly opened 'Cuts Cafe' was evicted yesterday evening after harassment from the Met and riot police. At first they threatened to storm the building and arrest folk for abstraction of electricity. Although when presented with evidence that the group had spoke to an energy company earlier that day they changed their minds... They were now adamant that the group were committing aggravated trespass and thus felt the need to call 3 vans of riot cops. Proportionate. 

So. Although no arrests were made, the building was emptied and re-secured by security. The police often use the offence of aggravated trespass as a way of getting people out of buildings. In the case of the cuts cafe, the building was empty. There were no signs that it was in use. The cops claimed that there were meetings scheduled there though for 'sometime in the future'. So. Aggravated trespass. Were these people really committing this offence? Or were these empty threats? Judge for yourself.


a. Aggravated trespass (section 68, Criminal justice and public order act 1994)

‘(1) A person commits the offence of aggravated 
trespass if he trespasses on land and, in relation to any 
lawful activity which persons are engaged in on the 
land, does there anything which is intended by him to have the effect of:
(a) intimidating those persons or any of them so as to 
deter them or any of them from engaging in that 
activity
(b) obstructing that activity
(c) disrupting that activity’
The section goes on to define ‘lawful activity’ as an 
activity which can be engaged in without committing 
an offence or trespassing on land.’  So if the activity 
wasn’t lawful or there was no actual activity taking 
place then you will have a defence.
This offence can only be tried in the magistrates court. 
The maximum penalty is 3 months imprisonment, a 
fine of up to £2,500, or both. First timers would probably get a fine in the region of £200-300.

(Courtesy of www.activistslegalproject.org.uk)

CARDIFF SQUATTERS FIGHT BACK!

First eviction resistance in Cardiff in over a decade ongoing at the Gremlin Alley Squatted Social centre in Cardiff. Here's the latest update: 

UPDATE - 3pm

Latest update is that cops scaled down to between two and five in the last hour and have just been stood across the road with two bailiffs and the janitor. No attempt at entry so far.

Still several squatters on the roof, wearing masks, and a few people still outside, but not as many as before.

Passing cars have been supportive, with one woman apparently saying "don't move, stay strong!"

And the house over the road, near where the cops are standing, is playing Public Enemy, Rage against the Machine and CRASS loudly through the upstairs window! Last we heard the Autonomads had just been requested, but folks on the roof are after black paint to make signs to save shouting requests across the road and food is also welcomed (vegan if possible).

Photos from the day due up shortly...but more to come as they haven't gone...

And thanks for the messages of support received from places ranging from Swansea to Brighton!

Solidarity to all squatters and Alex Haigh!

Here's the Indymedia article from this morning:

http://indymedia.org.uk/en/2012/10/500908.html

Respect!!

**UPDATE** 4PM New Pic!



***UPDATE 6PM***

After an all day rooftop standoff, Police and bailiffs have finally left the property and the residents remain in their home.  We heard there are rooftop celebrations ongoing which will very likely continue for a good while! Another successful resistance for the UK squatting community in these difficult times. Big up to the Cardiff squat collective - today you really showed them that whatever they say.....

SQUATTING WILL STAY!!!!

FIRE SAFETY

We came across an article today about how many people are living in precarious living conditions in the capital. The upsurge of rents in the private sector combined with a lack of available social housing has forced many into the rental of sheds, garages and spaces not fit for habitation. This has sadly led to 4 deaths and 45 injuries over the past three years due to fire. Is this your big society Cameron? Where unscrupulous landlords capitalise off people’s need for shelter? Where people can afford no better roof over their heads than that of a garden shed? There is a dire need for affordable housing in the capital and until the government start putting people before profit we can only imagine things will worsen.Here's the BBC article:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-19800791

If you're worried about fire hazards in your home, contact the London Fire Brigade fire safety team on 08000 284428. They offer a home visit team who will come and advise you how to protect yourself from fire hazards and also install free smoke alarms.  

NEWS ROUND UP!

After an exhausting few weeks of evictions, arrests, scuffles with the police and dodgy internet connections we're finally able to update the blog again. So, lots has been going on here's a quick round up:

FRIERN BARNET LIBRARY



As most of you will be aware, Friern Barnet Public Library, which was closed down due to cuts, has been reopened and given back to the community. They had court last week and managed to get an adjournment for three weeks. They had poetry and spoken word workshops last Sat followed by a jam session which the local residents got involved in. Big up Friern Barnet Crew!!!

**Book donations and volunteers greatly appreciated!**


LASPO? FUCK NO! LET OUR GUY GO!!

Alex Haigh, 21, of London is currently serving a 12 weeks sentence at Wormwood Scrubs for the 'offence' of squatting in a residential building. This has saddened the squatting community greatly. So, lets get pens and paper out and send him some messages of solidarity. The newly formed Squatters Legal Network are collecting in messages of support. Give them a shout if you want to send him something.

https://network23.org/squatterslegalnetwork/

SQUATTASTIC!



A rather wet squattastic happened a few Sundays ago in Waterloo. Torrential rain meant many were not able to attend but cheers to those who did. A member of Greentech did a workshop on off grid energy which was really informative and useful - solar panels are the way forward! There was then a intergroup meeting between various squat related groups about how the new legislation is kicking in. The next Squattastic date was decided but we've lost one of our diaries somewhere in squatworld so can't actually put it up here. Will post date/location asap. 

SOLIDARITY TO ALL!



To finish, we want to say a massive thank you to all those who have been rushed off their feet the last few weeks protecting our community from homelessness and arrest. From commercial squats who are providing shelter to residential squats thrown out on the streets to individuals who are using their free time support other crews in finding a place to live. Massive respect to all. Together we are so much stronger. 

It's been a rough few weeks and many of us are exhausted by recent events. The governments attack on our peaceful community has caused so much unnecessary havoc and stress. When times are tough remember that the community is here and it's stronger than ever. Have a read of this article it made us remember exactly why we're doing what we do and why its so worth fighting for. Much love to all. 

http://cutscafelondon.wordpress.com/2012/09/27/guest-blog-on-squatting-by-a-london-anarchist-and-squatter/

Staging! How to Make the Perfect Bed

If you're like me, no matter how hard I try I can't get the bed to look like they do in the magazines and showrooms.  Here's a nice little clip that demonstrates how to make the perfect bed.  I'm going to try it and I hope you will to.  Having a beautifully made bed is important for photo day and showings when you house is on the market.

FIRST PRISON SENTENCE FOR SQUATTER!

Silence is Golden

Using new legislation that criminalises squatting in any residential property a London court has recently sentenced a young man of 21 to 3 months in prison, despite being of .previous good character and having no legal representation, prison was considered an appropriate sentence for a homeless person occupying an empty building.

This new and poorly formulated law needs to be challenged and tested in the courts. To help both yourself and fellow squatters ER recommends a no comment interview with police. Silence is Golden. If you don’t have a solicitor consider ringing Squatters Legal Network on 07988776690. Under no circumstances should you make a guilty plea without good legal advice. ER is sure there are competent duty solicitors, but we feel that it is better not to trust them.

 http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/london-squatter-first-to-be-jailed-8181647.html

Good Morning Rochester

I love it when I'm in the newspaper and it's not the obit page.  Enjoy this beautiful autumn day.

And an update on my story earlier this week about the family moving back home!  We got another offer that is coming together nicely so my open house is canceled!  YAY!

2.785% For 30 YR FHA Fixed Loan! Unbelievable!

I saw a couple of posts on Facebook today saying that interest rates for a fixed 30 year FHA mortgage hit 2.785%.  This is so unbelievable that I didn't believe it until I made a few phone calls to confirm it.

For months, I've been bragging about my 3.25% mortgage and I needed to do a 10 year mortgage to get this rate.  Today's deal blows that out of the water.

So my friends, if you're on the

Moving Back Home

The Democrat and Chronicle has featured several articles about young professionals that have gone on to bigger and hopefully better places only to move back to sweet ol' Rochester.   But I have a less happy tale to tell.

About 60 days ago we received a full price offer on my lovely colonial located in the quaint village of Wyoming.   Because Wyoming is such a small community, the sellers got

HACKNEY RESIDENTS RESIST EVICTION!

The forces of darkness descended on the peaceful, commercial Hackney property this morning in order to carry out their wrong doing. They were met, however, by a rather large crowd who stood their ground and defended their right to shelter. The 20 occupants of Dove Row remain in their home despite the wishes of capitalist property developers. Viva la resistance - homes for all!!

After the resistance there was a march that ended at Hackney Town Hall.

Photos: Anthony Mortarelli

Real Estate in the Netherlands

I spent the day yesterday with a delightful couple considering relocating from the Netherlands to Rochester, NY.  We spent the day visiting Fairport and Canandaigua and next week we will be viewing properties in Irondequoit, Rochester and Brighton.

I couldn't resist the urge to ask about how houses in Rochester differ from those in the Netherlands and was quite interested in their answers.  

NEXT SQUATTASTIC!!!

BANNER OF THE WEEK!

NEW LEGISLATION STARTS TO BITE

We've been keeping track of squat related activity since September 1st when squatting in residential building was made illegal. Here's a quick round up:

GLASTONBURY
A few days ago we reported that 5 individuals were, to our knowledge, the first to be arrested under the new law. Coincidently, it has also been revealed that proposals to make more emergency accommodation for homeless young people in Somerset have twice been turned down by planners. We understand the Squatters Legal Network are keen to support those arrested. Here's more information  from the local press in Somerset:

http://www.thisissomerset.co.uk/Squatters-kicked-Street-house-law-changes/story-16839585-detail/story.html

CHICHESTER
Last Saturday, Police visited a squat in Chichester after the owner asked them to get the squatters out. It is reported that the squatters left of their own accord and no arrests were made. Local homeless charity Stonepillow was critical of the new legislation: 

“It is also worth noting that many of the properties occupied as squats are ‘disused, empty buildings’ and some squatters choose this option as opposed to sleeping rough."

http://www.chichester.co.uk/news/local/chichester-squatters-evicted-after-new-legislation-comes-into-force-1-4225220

BRIGHTON
The squatters arrested following a police raid on a part residential property were charged with abstracting electricity, obstructing a police officer and the offence of squatting in a residential building. They were bailed unconditionally until they appear in court in October. 

BIRMINGHAM
Housing activists and homeless people have been threatened with court proceedings if they do not vacate the council owned residential building they are occupying. A spokesperson for the group stated that there were genuinely homeless people sheltering in the building who will be forced out onto the streets again. More info here:

http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2012/09/499567.html





BRISTOL
One squat, and possibly a second, has been closed down using the new legislation. Another has been served  court papers. One person was arrested and then released without charge. 


http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2012/09/499620.html





LONDON
We don't have any more information on the six people arrested in Southwark yet but we'll update as soon as we do. Other than those arrests, London has been reasonably quiet. We're getting a lot of reports of landlords/police giving squatters notice to leave rather than them attempting to enter the building and arrest them. Other residential squats which are awaiting eviction/court proceedings don't seem to have been affected. The metropolitan police seem quite reluctant to enforce this legislation. Probably because when they signed up to becoming a police officer they were more interested in dealing with real crime not turfing homeless people out of empty houses. 

So. That's the update from us. Solidarity to all. Let us know if we've missed anything out! 

LONDON SQUATTERS SERVE GOVERNMENT NOTICE OF EVICTION!!

A group of London squatters descended on the houses of parliament last Saturday to serve the coalition government notice of eviction. We expect many more actions of a similar nature to come over the next few weeks as the anti-squatting legislation kicks in. Watch this space for updates! 

Full story & pics here:

http://www.demotix.com/news/1420872/squatters-evict-government#slide-17

BRIGHTON SQUATTERS RESIST NEW LAW!!

Epic standoff between Brighton squatters and Sussex police yesterday as new anti squatting legislation is used for the first time in Brighton. It took the police three hours to smash through barricades only to find squatters super glued together in the attic! Three were arrested, despite not actually living in the property, and to our knowledge are still in police custody. Full story here:

http://en.squat.net/2012/09/04/brighton-first-arrests-under-squatban/

https://network23.org/snob/

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/sep/04/police-arrest-brighton-squatters?newsfeed=true

Also, 5 others were arrested in Somerset yesterday in a police raid on a squatted residential property. Those arrested were aged between 16 - 18. We don't yet know if they are going to be charged. Watch this space for updates.

Solidarity to all. 

   
   Whatever they say, Squatting will stay!!

DEBUNKING THE MYTHS ABOUT SQUATTING

Wow. 2 days of media about squatting and it still shocks us to see how misinformed people are! No surprises about daily mail readers being somewhat misguided but Guardian readers? Really? We had always thought those that read the Guardian were informed, educated individuals but considering some of the comments on articles about squatting we were perhaps mistaken. So, enough is enough. We are sick of people making poorly thought out judgements based on NO statistics and NO experience of their own. It is these types of people who do no good in a world full of groups who are grotesquely misunderstood. Media scaremongering has been around for decades, if you fail to see it and buy into it then shame on you.

It begins today. We have emailed all members of the public that we know who have actually had some experience with squatters and we have asked for them to write an article on this blog. As we await their response, we'll start with a few stats from homeless charity Crisis:

http://www.crisis.org.uk/data/files/publications/MythBustingLeaflet.pdf

LEGAL NOTICE S144 LASPO 2012

As you are all aware, squatting in residential properties has now been made a criminal offence. This new law will not apply to everyone though. The Squatters Advisory Service have produced a legal notice explaining to the police how the new law doesn't apply to certain types of squat. 



Good luck everyone! 

YET ANOTHER UNLAWFUL EVICTION....

With hours left before squatting in a residential property became illegal; a Territorial support group backing up enforcement officers smashed their way into a residential property in Dalston yesterday and unlawfully evicted the building of its many residents. 

TSG and Enforcement Officer

On arrival at the crime scene we found a group of shocked people standing on the pavement surrounded by their personal possessions.  Scheduled eviction date was the 26^thof September 2012 and they believed that they would be evicted on this date as stated by the court. One person peddled furiously to Gee street county court where he told court officers of the illegal eviction taking place. After checking court documents it was agreed that this was the case and the eviction should be stopped immediately. When this information was relayed to the officers involved in the on-going eviction they replied ‘Ah well, it’s too late now’….

With full knowledge that the eviction was illegal the police continued on with their work. When we spoke to the police about their actions the feeling on their part was that they were the law. This is not so. The police force are the upholders of law; when this is forgotten we move another step closer to a police state. Thankfully the people evicted yesterday will not have to sleep on the streets. Friends and supporters have taken them in.  However, this will not be the case for many other people .

The streets are going to fill with rough sleepers while buildings remain empty for years. To say that a property owner has the right to do anything they like with a building is morally bankrupt. A property owner has a duty of care to the community the property is in .You cannot leave buildings empty for years on end while people are homeless.

BETTER TO SQUAT THAN LET HOMES ROT!

Wow. We just discovered these awesome free stencils from the Anarchist Media Project. Let's get them to every squat in the UK. Please share/repost/retweet or get some printed, get on your bike and cycle them out around town!

We wouldn't ever encourage criminality but hey! Seeing as you're likely to become criminalised on Saturday why not get out there and graffiti them round your local area!! (We're joking, of course...)

Below are our favourite stencils, the rest can be found here:

http://anarchistmedia.wordpress.com/2012/08/28/better-to-squat-than-let-homes-rot-free-street-art-stencils/

Big up to the Anarchist Media Project!!

DIFFICULT TIMES ON THE HORIZON...

We attended an emergency meeting last Monday to discuss ways of dealing with the new leglislation. Organised by the Advisory Service for Squatters, a large number of squatters came together to work out exactly what is meant by the new law and in what ways the squatting community can come together to support eachother. The following important points were raised:

1. The new law does not affect you if you have some sort of licence to be in the property or if you were tenants/subtenants. This means that if the owner of the property has said that it's o'k for you to stay in it then you are doing nothing wrong. If you don't have anything in writing, write down the time/date of when you had contact with the owner and summarise the conversation that was had. If the police do show up, you can show them that you and your housemates have a licence and thus are not breaking the law.

2. If you are in a building that is both residential and commercial (ex a shop/pub) it is important that you do not live in the residential part of the building. We guess it would be o.k for you to use the residential area for other purposes, such as storage etc. However, make sure the sleeping and kitchen areas are in the commerical part of the premises so you can protect yourself from breaking the law.

3. The squatting community is gonig to come under an enormous amount of pressure as the effects of this new legislation kick in. Now is the time to network, join together and show solidarity with eachother so we can minimise the distress caused as much as possible. If you are in a commercial building there are many ways you can support fellow squatters.For example, offering storage space for the important possessions of those suddenly kicked out on the street could be helpful.

A few weeks after this legislation comes into force there will be a squattastic event. This will allow us to come together again as a community and see how the law is being used & share coping strategies & support. Watch this space for more details.

Solidarity to all, together we'll get through this. Remember...

WHATEVER THEY SAY, SQUATTING WILL STAY!

LAW CHANGE UPDATE

We have recently been informed that as of the 1st September 2012 squatting in residential properties will become a criminal offence. Here's a statement from an ASS member:

'The new law will be coming into force on the 1st September (sorry for any confusion) and we need to be prepared. You will not be committing an offence if you are squatting in non-residential property, if you have a licence or tenancy, if you are not living in the property or intending to live there (just visiting).
Make sure you are prepared to explain why the new law does not cover your circumstances.'

We want to emphasise that we need to organise and be prepared for this law change. Our advice to those squatting in residential properties is as follows:

1.  If you are 'just visiting' people who are squatting in residential properties then this law does not apply to you. The police will need to prove that you were living or intending to live in the property in order for you to be arrested. It should be o.k for you to gather your friends possessions in case of eviction, just explain to the police that you are doing so. 

2. Have a back up plan and be ready. Make sure your possessions are packed and ready to be moved. Start looking now for a place to move to. Join up with other crews and support each other. This will be vital for the survival of the squatting community.

Please do get in contact if you need any further support/advice. Call us on 07591 415860. We are usually contactable 24/7 although if your call is not urgent then  call during the daytime. If no credit text/miss call us and we'll get back to you asap. 

Solidarity to all. 

WHATEVER THEY SAY, SQUATTING WILL STAY!!

The international squatting symbol

According to Robert Neuwith , author of Shadow cities ,there are more  than  a billion squatters living on this planet.  One in seven people. 

Brazilian squat community

Evidently there is a huge global need for land to grow food on and homes in which to live.  Yet, according to academic Kesia Reeve, "squatting is largely absent from policy and academic debate and is rarely conceptualized, as a problem, as a symptom, or as a social or housing movement." 

South African Squats

The global response on the part of the 1% has been to make squatting  illegal in most countries. Despite this criminalisation of a huge political movement, (squatting is political), the occupation of empty buildings and land continues.

Squatted Land in London

In the UK, section 144 of the legal aid, sentencing and punishment of offenders bill 2012 criminalises squatting in a residential buildings. The Advisory Service for Squatters (ASS) keep their website current and will let people know when this legislation is enacted. Check it for updates: www.squatter.org.uk

Jamaican squat

Eviction Resistance will be hosting the next London squattastic event.  This will be a great opportunity for London squatters, and guests to come together to brain storm tactics that will ensure squatting continues in England and Wales post criminalisation . It will be on the 2nd of September, from 2pm-6pm. Keep checking this blog for more updates. 

AVON & SOMERSET POLICE: FOUL PLAY

66 Queens Square Bristol, site of Tuesday's illegal eviction

Disturbing reports yesterday of yet another unlawful eviction having taken place. In the earlier hours of Tuesday morning, members of the Avon and Somerset police force decided  to evict a group of young squatters on the grounds that they were 'trespassing'. They stated that squatting had become illegal and that they now had the power to evict the building.

They didn't. Section 6 of the criminal law act 1977 still applies; entrance by force or by threat of force to a persons residence is still a criminal offence. The inhabitants of the former building society in Bristol had committed no crime, they are were simply occupying an abandoned building and this is still completely lawful. Although the offence of squatting in residential buildings has been passed, it has not yet been enacted. This means the police have no power at all to evict/arrest under this new offence.

Three complaints have been made against the officers who were involved in this incident. We'll keep you updated on how these complaints progress. The squatters resquatted the property shorty after the police left and to our knowledge they are still there. Respect!

For more info check the indymedia article:

http://www.indymedia.org.uk/en/2012/08/498995.html

GRANDMOTHER BEATS THE BAILIFFS!

Wow! We love this story. Don't let bailiffs intimidate you. If this lady can stand up to them so can you! 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/property/propertynews/9425340/Grandmother-foils-bailiffs-after-sit-in-at-sons-3m-stately-home.html#

It goes to show the elderly really can be a force to be reckoned with. This story reminds us of an awesome poem by London spoken word performer, Furious George. Anarchist O.A.P's smashing the state - good stuff! Check it out....

http://mightyjahj.wordpress.com/2010/07/13/o-a-p-s-confessions/