Power to Remove Persons Committing Aggravated Trespass

Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994, s.68 and s.69

Warrant: No
Force: No
Notice: No

A constable may arrest without warrant a person whom the officer reasonably suspects is committing the offence of aggravated trespass (intentional disruption of lawful activity on land). A superintendent may direct a person to leave land where aggravated trespass is occurring and that person commits an offence if they fail to comply.

Conditions

Person must be trespassing on land in the open air
Person must be doing something intended to have the effect of intimidating, obstructing, or disrupting persons engaged in lawful activity

Limitations

Applies to land in the open air: different provisions apply to buildings
Does not give a power to enter buildings
Direction must be given for the person to leave before an offence of non-compliance is committed

Last updated 24 September 2026