Second Westminster squatter evicted under new powers

A second eviction under new squatting laws took place on Thursday (October 4), as a man was removed from council property with the new powers.

CityWest Homes, who manage the council’s housing stock, called police to take back a two bedroom flat on Tresham Crescent, Lisson Green estate.

The previous tenant had been evicted for anti-social behaviour, and a squatter moved into the property with his two dogs.

Darren Levy, director of customer services, CityWest Homes said: “Despite coming into effect so recently, the new anti-squatters powers are proving an invaluable weapon in our arsenal against squatting. They have enabled us to act quickly, whilst saving a great deal of time and money.

CityWest Homes will take immediate action should any of our properties become illegally occupied.”

It is the second time CityWest Homes have used the power after a squatter voluntarily left a property on September 7, after being warned he faced arrest.

The council believes it was the first authority to use a new squatting law, which came into force on September 1, giving police the power to evict squatters without a court ruling.

CityWest Homes are working to repair damage sustained during the illegal occupancy.