West Country Bailiffs has successfully recovered vacant possession of a commercial site following the arrival of an unauthorised encampment in Plymouth consisting of four caravans, a tent and approximately ten occupants.
The unauthorised encampment arrived at the commercial units on Monday, 31 August. During the occupation, fires had been lit within the car park, waste and rubbish had accumulated around the site, and there had been reports of some antisocial behaviour.
With information suggesting that further travellers could be travelling to Plymouth to join the existing group, the landowners needed to act quickly to prevent the unauthorised encampment in Plymouth from increasing in size.
West Country Bailiffs instructed to remove the unauthorised encampment in Plymouth
The landowners contacted West Country Bailiffs at approximately 1:00pm on Tuesday, 1 September to discuss how we could assist with removing the unauthorised encampment in Plymouth from their private commercial property.
We explained the process available to private landowners for dealing with trespassers and unauthorised encampments, including the common law remedies available to recover possession of private land.
Following instruction, we immediately began planning the attendance and deployed a team of two experienced West Country Bailiffs enforcement agents.
At 7:45am the following morning, our agents arrived at the commercial site in Plymouth.
This meant that less than 19 hours had passed between the landowner’s initial call to West Country Bailiffs and our enforcement team being on site dealing with the unauthorised encampment in Plymouth.
Early-morning attendance at the Plymouth site
On arrival, our enforcement agents met with the security guard at the outer gate of the main car park and received a briefing regarding the location of the unauthorised encampment and the current situation on site.
There were approximately ten people within the group, together with four caravans and a tent.
Of particular concern was information that further travellers were reportedly on their way to join the existing unauthorised encampment. Preventing additional vehicles and occupants from arriving made a prompt and controlled response particularly important.
Our agents approached the group, explained why they were there and made clear that the landowner required possession of the site to be returned.
A Common Law Notice to Vacate was issued and the occupants were instructed to leave the private land.
A firm but fair approach to unauthorised encampment removal
Removing an unauthorised encampment does not always need to result in confrontation.
Our approach is to remain firm about what needs to happen while communicating professionally with those occupying the land and, wherever possible, establishing a workable dialogue.
Our enforcement agents were able to build a good rapport with the group and keep the situation calm throughout the operation.
The lead traveller confirmed that, following our attendance, the group would peacefully vacate the premises. They explained that they were waiting for two family members to return from another location before they could complete their departure.
A reasonable amount of time was allowed while our agents maintained control of the situation and continued to progress the removal.
The group remained polite and cooperative. Our agents also arranged for the occupants to clear and dispose of rubbish from the site before leaving, helping to ensure the commercial premises were handed back in an improved condition.
Four caravans removed from the commercial site
As the day progressed, the returning family members were delayed. Rather than allowing this to prevent the removal from progressing, our agents worked with the group to begin moving the caravans from the site.
Two caravans were initially hitched up and removed to a different location. Members of the group subsequently returned and collected the remaining caravans and belongings.
Throughout the operation there were no incidents of violence, threats or significant health and safety concerns.
The unauthorised encampment removal was achieved peacefully without the need for physical intervention.
Devon and Cornwall Police attended at approximately 5:00pm as the final occupants were leaving. Our enforcement agents briefed the attending officers on the action that had been taken and the outcome of the operation.
West Country Bailiffs regularly operates across Devon and Cornwall and understands the importance of appropriate communication with the police where circumstances require it.
Unauthorised encampment in Plymouth successfully removed
By approximately 5:00pm on Wednesday, 2 September, the unauthorised encampment had been completely removed from the property.
All four caravans, the tent, occupants and associated belongings had left, and vacant possession of the land was returned to the landowners.
The site was handed back without violence or confrontation. Additional security measures were subsequently advised and implemented by the landowners to help reduce the risk of another unauthorised encampment accessing the site.
From the client’s first telephone call at 1:00pm on Tuesday to enforcement agents arriving at 7:45am the following morning, this case demonstrates how quickly an unauthorised encampment in Plymouth can be addressed when a private landowner acts promptly.
Unauthorised encampment removal across the South West
West Country Bailiffs provides a specialist unauthorised encampment removal service for private landowners, commercial landlords, managing agents, businesses and other organisations across the South West and beyond.
Our experienced enforcement agents regularly deal with unauthorised encampments and trespass on:
- Commercial and industrial estates
- Retail and business premises
- Car parks
- Development and construction sites
- Agricultural land
- Sports grounds and recreational land
- Private estates and open land
Every unauthorised encampment is different. Before deployment, we assess the circumstances, number of occupants and vehicles, known risks and the most appropriate approach to recovering possession.
Where possible, our objective is straightforward: act quickly, remain professional and recover the client’s land peacefully and safely.
Need help with an unauthorised encampment in Plymouth or the South West?
If you have an unauthorised encampment on private land in Plymouth, Devon, Cornwall or elsewhere across the South West, early action can be important, particularly where there is a risk of additional vehicles joining the site.
West Country Bailiffs can provide advice on the options available and, where appropriate, rapidly deploy experienced enforcement agents to assist with recovering possession of the land.
Contact West Country Bailiffs to discuss your unauthorised encampment and the options available for removing trespassers and recovering vacant possession.
West Country Bailiffs – Experts in the Recovery of Money, Property and Land.
