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TOPIC:

jah beard

15/10/02 17:38:21

Subject: squat laws
Message:
I am part of a system thats been enjoying the mootiful weather of the summer by partying outside, but none of us are that familiar with the proccess of squatting buildings.

We know about section 6 and have been scouting for locations, but all the places we've found are locked and boarded up. Can we still get away with squatting them if we have to clip a few locks or will we get done for criminal damage?

The last thing we want to do is pack our shit up for 6 months, so any threads or info would be well appreciated, if u don't want to post on here then send an e-mail.

Cheers

REPLIES:

 christophero columbo

15/10/02 20:01:55

Subject: RE: squat laws
Message:
like many things in life, yes you'll get done for breaking and entering but only if you get caught, so don't let anyone see you!this is pretty easy with party buildings because anywhere suitable for a party must be well away from houses so there will probably be noone around. open the squat at weekend if its in an industrial area when no ones at work.

alarms can be a problem but usually if a buildings long term empty the're turned off cos the owners don't want to be going out to turn it off everytime a pigeon flies in or whatever

the most important thing is if the cops show up dont admit you broke in. say that some kids must have broke the lock before and that the door was already open and you just walked in. they proberbly wont believe you but if theres no witness to it and you don't admit it theres fuck all they can do really. there has to be someone inside who has control over access to the building i.e. have a key to a lock (which you put on). having some mattresses and a tv inside could be helpful to show that you are living there.

the advisory service for squatters has a website YOUR LINK TEXT HERE
theres some pages about squatting on urban75 too

have some good parties and bring life to those old buildings that are going to fall down anyway

 General Lighting

15/10/02 20:10:13

Subject: RE: squat laws
Message:
Sometimes, boarded up derelict buildings (or "voids" as they are called by councils etc if they could be residential) have to be opened up by work teams in white vans wearing yellow vests etc, to ensure that they are safe - after all there may be dangerous places and things like gas pipes, live electric cables which must be tagged and identified (this is da law!). This usually happens in daytime around the afternoon.

However if you are cracking buildings late at night and making a damned awful racket, a bobby or two may well nick you for criminal damage because the neighbours call 999

I think you may get my drift ;)

it may count in your favour if homeless people move in and live in the building for a week or so before any party happens (although bear in mind if there is a potential conflict point if you promise your mates a home and then a party hastens the eviction papers). squatting was thought up as an emergency housing tactic rather than just a way to hold parties in derelict buildings and bypass the licensing procedure.

You can also use a big building for cool stuff like art workshop, making custom mountain bikes, computer workshops (get a spare rig van and haul in all the discarded PCs), mad scientist projects etc as well as parties - and if u manage the publicity well it could help "legitimise" the squat amongst the wider community, which could help you keep the building for longer (you might even be able to convert it into a community centre although this means a LOT of work and organisation!)

Also look here for info about squatting.

 mud puppy

15/10/02 20:18:37

Subject: RE: squat laws
Message:
all the relevant info there, nice one party peeps

the most important bit is to not get caught breaking and entering, getting rid of any evidence of this, and putting on your own lock quick as.

also remember that there has to be someone in the building the whole time u r squatting it / using section 6


happy break-dancing

 General Lighting

15/10/02 20:21:13

Subject: RE: squat laws
Message:
christopher columbo also wrote some excellent stuff (and also found da ASS site) -

I'd add with regard to alarms that with most derelict buildings the telecom circuits have all been switched off as BT/NTL hasn't had the money, so the 999 dialler on the bell won't work - or if the leccy is off the bell control panel will run down its battery so it won't sound.

Try not to let people smash up stuff like alarm and telecom panels as there is often useful stuff for rigs and computers there (I've found loads of mains & CAT5 cable, small telephone exchanges etc!).

just one thing, if you find a building which is in too residential an area, please just turn it over to any mates who are homeless but reasonably responsible 4 a residential squat rather than bringing it on top 4 everybody by trying 2 party an unsuitable building..