Trespassing and Encampments
Intervention Type |
Cost |
Rollout Time |
Maintenance |
Effectiveness |
| Secure land with barriers, signage, fencing | Medium / High | Long-Term | Medium | High |
| Consult Rights of Way officer | Free | Medium-Term | None | Medium |
| Log incidents, photos and vehicle info | Free | Ongoing | Low | Medium |
| Avoid confrontation; share intel with neighbours | Free | Ongoing | None | Medium |
Why These Measures Are Effective Against Trespassing & Encampments
- Barriers, signage, and fencing physically deter access and signal private ownership.
- Consulting Rights of Way officers ensures legal clarity and avoids disputes.
- Logging incidents builds evidence for enforcement and supports police action.
- Sharing intelligence with neighbours creates a united front and early warning system.
Limitations
As with any protective measure, there are limitations. Limitations of the measures above are explained below:
Rights of Way and encampment laws can be nuanced and vary by region.
High-spec fencing may be expensive for large or remote properties.
Confronting trespassers can lead to conflict or retaliation.
Best practice tips
- Use tamper-proof signage and maintain fencing regularly.
- Keep a logbook with dates, photos, and vehicle registrations.
- Coordinate with local councils and police for persistent encampments.
- Share updates via WhatsApp groups or local forums to build community awareness.