Unauthorised encampments in Essex reduced by three-quarters in five years

Our rural engagement officers manage unauthorised encampments all year round but particularly in the spring and summer months.

Since the Rural Engagement Team was formed five years ago, we have seen a continuous reduction in unauthorised encampments across Essex. There were 75% fewer in the 12 months to 31 August 2023 than there were during the same period in 2017/18.

Yesterday, within hours of both being reported to us, our officers required two encampments to leave the land they had settled on – one in the Harlow district and one in Uttlesford.

Our Rural Engagement Team manages all unauthorised encampments within our county. Officers manage the balance between the rights of individuals to lead a nomadic lifestyle and the rights of others to enjoy their local community spaces.

Acting Chief Inspector Terry Jacobs says:

“Our officers visit every encampment reported to us, speak with the people there and set out expectations around conduct and legislation in line with the rights of all communities.
“If legislation is breached, we will follow national guidance and, where appropriate, we will require groups to leave the land, explaining the grounds why they are being moved. We’ve found that many groups acting anti-socially have stopped visiting Essex and conduct has improved.”

The mere presence of an unauthorised encampment does not provide police officers with powers to request people to leave the land. Unauthorised encampments are a civil act of trespass and, as such, the landowner has powers to get the encampment to move on. 

However, when they are reported to us, our officers will speak to the trespassers, the landowner and relevant local authorities, often the council. Together, we will assess the site and ensure the most appropriate response according to the circumstances. 

But certain criteria are required to be met and, where encampments are anti-social and cause disruption to local communities, we will take action and use legislation to require trespassers to vacate the area.

Acting Chief Inspector Jacobs says:

“The message is clear, anti-social and disruptive behaviour will not be tolerated in Essex.
“Because our Rural Engagement Team is dedicated to the management of unauthorised encampments, it enables officers to provide a consistent, balanced approach, which ensures that our policing powers are used appropriately and proportionately.”

In the year to 31 August 2023, our rural engagement officers managed 66 unauthorised encampments of which 13 (20%) were required to vacate the land.

In the previous 12 months, the team managed 76 encampments, with 20 (26%) resulting in eviction.

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