Able Investigations

26/11/2025

Protect Your Commercial Property from Political Squatters

Squatter

Political squatters are increasingly targeting commercial properties across the UK, leaving behind extensive damage, disruption, and costly repairs. These are not cases of homelessness — they are organised, politically motivated occupations that can escalate quickly.

Able Investigations & Enforcement Services (AIES) provides a fast, professional, and proven solution.

Why Property Owners Choose AIES

• Rapid deployment with or without a Court Order
• Specialist teams trained for high-risk evictions, rooftops, and lock-ons
• Full coordination with police and legal representatives
• End-to-end service, including clean-up and restoration teams
• 28 years of operation without a single arrest, complaint, or serious injury

Our expertise ensures that your property is secured safely, legally, and without unnecessary publicity or reputational risk.

Act Fast — Minimise Damage and Costs

Negotiation rarely works. Delay increases risk. Early intervention is the key to protecting your property and avoiding thousands in damages.

For immediate professional assistance, contact our 24/7 operations line:
0345 366 0000

AIES — the trusted specialists in resolving political and high-risk squatters.

Able investigations provide Bailiff, Enforcement, specialist in Traveller& Protester Removal.

13/09/2025

Another brillant find by two of our Officers, carrying out a building repossession. The property had been extensivily fitted out, some of the plants were 6 ft in height. Enforcement agents across the country, make amazing finds calling in the police to help put a stop to this vile illegal drug trade.

Police carried out a raid at a property in Weston-super-Mare following reports it was being used to grow cannabis.

21/08/2025

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7364253743371984896/

🚨 Another day, another surprise on the job! 🚨 While attending a repossession today, our team uncovered far more than expected: A fully set-up cannabis farm hidden away inside the property 🌱💡 Stolen vehicles stashed in the same location 🚗🔒 This is a reminder of how unpredictable our...

21/08/2025

https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-wood-a4917718/

I am the founding Director of Able Investigations & Enforcements, a leading company in the enforcement sector. We specialise in the removal of squatters, protesters, and travellers, with particular specialty in Protesters, we are experts when it comes to dealing with contentious matters, as in L...

07/08/2025

✅ Specialist Teams Secure Dangerous Brighton Landmark Able Enforcement and Specialist Group International (SGI)

Recently supported Brighton & Hove City Council in removing squatters from the hazardous Madeira Terrace.

The area had become unlawfully occupied and structurally unstable, posing serious risks. Under a High Court possession order, our expert teams carried out a lawful and respectful clearance, ensuring public safety.

🔧 Operation Details:
• Rope access specialists secured unsafe areas
• Able Enforcement officers oversaw lawful possession recovery
• Full coordination with Brighton & Hove City Council
• All teams operated with safety and professionalism

🎙 Leadership Commentary:
Steve Wood, MD of Able Enforcement:
“This is exactly why Able exists—to carry out professional, specialist lawful enforcement that protects communities while respecting the rights of individuals.”
Peter Faulding, MD of SGI: “Our teams used rope access and technical rigging to safely secure and clear the area. It was a challenging job—handled with precision.”
📸 On-Site Operation Highlights:

Specialist teams securing unstable zones at Madeira Terrace

SGI rope-access operatives descending the Victorian terrace face

Aerial overview of the site and enforcement vehicles

________________________________________
📞 Get in Touch
To learn more about how Able Enforcement can assist with:
• Squatter evictions
• Lawful property recovery
• Commercial rent enforcement
👉 www.ableinvestigations.com
To learn more about Specialist Group International’s recovery expertise:
👉 www.specialistgroupinternational.com
Together, Able Enforcement and SGI deliver compliance, safety, and results—when they’re needed most.
Able Investigations & Enforcements, 1 Riverside Business Park, St Annes Road, Bristol BS4 4ED
📞 0345 366 0000 | 📧 [email protected]
Please complete our 30 second survey

11/06/2025

From Punishment to Proportionality: Repealing the Vagrancy Act and the Role of Section 77 for Local Authorities and Enforcement Professionals

Repealing the Vagrancy Act: A Shift in Approach
The Vagrancy Act 1824, once a cornerstone of street-level enforcement, was officially repealed through the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022. Its abolition reflects a significant shift in government and public attitudes toward homelessness, poverty, and the role of enforcement in managing public spaces.

For local authorities and enforcement agents, this repeal is not the removal of a tool—it is a reorientation toward proportionate, legally sound, and socially responsible methods of engagement.

Historically, the Vagrancy Act allowed the arrest and prosecution of individuals simply for rough sleeping or begging. While this may have offered a short-term solution to public order complaints, it often undermined long-term engagement strategies, alienated vulnerable individuals, and provided limited legal recourse for positive outcomes.

Section 77: A Practical, Lawful and Humane Enforcement Tool
In the absence of the Vagrancy Act, Section 77 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 has emerged as a key statutory mechanism for managing unauthorised occupation of public and private land.

What Does Section 77 Provide?
Section 77 enables local authorities to issue a direction to leave land to anyone residing in a vehicle (which includes caravans or makeshift shelters such as tents) without consent. It is particularly effective when dealing with:

- Unauthorised encampments
- Individuals obstructing highways or access to services
- Persistent rough sleepers causing environmental or safety concerns

If the direction is ignored, the authority can apply to the Magistrates’ Court under Section 78 for an order requiring removal.
Why Section 77 Is Preferable in a Post-Vagrancy Act Landscape
1. Non-Criminal but Enforceable
Unlike the Vagrancy Act, Section 77 is not a criminal offence. This distinction is important. It allows authorities to take action without stigmatising individuals or initiating unnecessary criminal proceedings.

2. Due Process and Legal Integrity
Section 77 offers a clear and auditable enforcement process with due legal steps and proper documentation.

3. Supports Multi-Agency Working
The use of Section 77 complements joint working arrangements with housing teams, social services, and voluntary outreach providers.

4. Reduces Repeat Encampments and Complaints
When applied correctly, it acts as a deterrent against repeat encampments in sensitive areas while allowing outreach teams to engage.

Practical Considerations for Enforcement Teams
- Training on procedural and evidentiary requirements
- Collect documentation: photos, site maps, witness logs
- Conduct risk assessments before removals
- Establish communication protocols with police and health services
Final Thoughts: Enforcement with Accountability and Compassion
For local authorities and enforcement professionals, the post-Vagrancy Act era represents an opportunity to lead with professionalism, proportionality, and dignity. Section 77 allows for robust land management without reverting to outdated criminalisation.

With the right training, policy frameworks, and inter-agency coordination, Section 77 can remain a powerful tool in your operational toolkit—balancing legal compliance, community safety, and ethical practice.

Here at Able we have our own Traveller Teams which often deal with Illegal encampments from rough sleepers to large traveller encampments. from Welfare Assessments right through to attending court on behalf of the local authority, our team deal with the entire process.

For more information please contact us on 0345 366 0000

Able investigations provide Bailiff, Enforcement, specialist in Traveller& Protester Removal.

08/02/2025

Authorities at one of the South West’s most popular seaside destinations have seen a major reduction in illegal encampments thanks to work by a Bristol enforcement agency. The number of illegal...

01/04/2024

https://lnkd.in/evn9vdjb

10/10/2023

https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/bristol-news/uncertain-future-100-van-dwellers-8817669

Another very successful eviction went off without an problems. Thank you to Bristol City Council, Avon & Somerset Police & of course all my teams here at Able

There needs to be more places for people forced to live in vans in Bristol to go, the local councillor says

10/08/2023

Process serving is an important and often overlooked aspect of legal proceedings. Simply put, process serving is the delivery of legal documents to individuals involved in a legal dispute. This legal method is an important step in the legal process, as it ensures that all parties involved are aware of the legal action being taken against them and gives them the opportunity to respond accordingly.

Process serving can be done by anyone over the age of 18 who has no connection to the legal case. However, for the sake of accuracy and efficiency, it is often better to hire a professional process server. Process servers are individuals specifically trained to deliver legal documents and are familiar with the regulations and requirements of the legal process. These will vary depending on the type of documents, and the Civil procedures rules behind them.

In order for a process server to begin the process of serving legal documents, they must first obtain the documents from the Client. These documents usually include a summons and a complaint. The summons is a document that informs the defendant of the legal action being taken against them and the complaint is a legal document that outlines the plaintiff's claim against the defendant.

Once the process server has obtained the legal documents, they must then find and serve the individuals named in the complaint. This can be a challenging task, as the individuals may be difficult to locate or may try to evade service. Process servers use a variety of techniques and strategies to ensure effective service of process, that being said we must be mindful of both the Data Protection Act, and the Human Rights Act.

The most common method of service is personal service, where the process server physically hands the documents to the named individual. This can be done at the individual's home or place of work. Personal service ensures that the named individual is aware of the legal action being taken against them.

If personal service is not possible, process servers can use alternative methods. One such method is substituted service, which involves serving the documents to a person in the named individual's household or workplace who is of suitable age and discretion. Another method is service by publication, which involves publishing the notice in a local newspaper or other publication if the named individual cannot be located. In some cases, we have obtained service via Facebook or WhatsApp.

However, it is important to note that each case is different, and the method of service used will depend on the specific circumstances of the case. For example, if the individual being served is a high-profile figure or has a large security detail, the process server may need to use specialised techniques to ensure effective service of process.

After the legal documents have been served on the subject, the process server must provide proof of service to the court. This is typically done by filling out an affidavit of service or proof of service form. This document details the date, time, and location of the service, as well as the identity of the person who was served. Providing proof of service is important to ensure that the legal proceedings can move forward.

In conclusion, process serving is a critical aspect of the legal process and ensures that all parties involved in a legal dispute are aware of the legal action being taken against them. it is essential to hire a professional process server, with the right experience & insurances and one who is familiar Civil Procedure Rules. Process servers should also gather evidence by way of Body Camera both for their protection and the protection of the subject being served.
Why therefore take a chance with an important matter such as Process Serving. To ensure that your Documents are delivered professionally, timely, and in line with CPR Rules, Contact Able Investigations & Enforcements on 0345 366 0000, with over 38 years of experience both as former Police Officers, and as Investigators, and Certificated Enforcement officers. Don’t leave it to chance, call us today.

31/07/2023

Traveller evictions can be a sensitive and an challenging issue for property owners along with site managers to handle. Not only is there a risk of potential conflict and damage to property during the eviction process, but it can also be difficult to ensure that unlawful occupiers are removed from the site in a timely and legal manner. In such cases, the use of an Certificated Enforcement Company instead of security officers can be a more effective and legally compliant option.

Enforcement companies are authorised by law to enforce the eviction of unlawful occupants from private properties. Their activities are governed by specific legislation, such as the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007, which details their rights and responsibilities and how they should carry out their duties.
On the other hand, security officers do not have the legal authority to forcefully evict occupants from a property. They can only act as a deterrent, and their role is primarily limited to monitoring the property and reporting any incidents to the authorities. As such, the use of security officers alone may not be sufficient to remove unlawful occupants from a site.
So, why should you use a Enforcement company instead of security officers for traveller evictions? Here are a few key reasons:

1. Legal authority

As mentioned, Enforcement companies are authorised by law to enforce the eviction of unlawful occupants from a private property. They have specific powers, such as the right to use reasonable force to gain entry to the site and remove occupants, which security officers do not have. This gives them the legal legitimacy to carry out the eviction process, which can make it more effective and less confrontational.

2. Faster and more efficient

Enforcement companies are professionals who are trained and experienced in carrying out evictions. They have the expertise and resources to manage the entire process, from serving the eviction notice to removing occupants and securing the site. This can make the process faster and more efficient than relying on security officers alone, who may lack the necessary skills and equipment to carry out the eviction effectively.

3. Compliance with legal requirements
Enforcement companies must comply with legal requirements when carrying out evictions, such as giving notice to the occupants and ensuring that their rights and welfare are protected. This compliance can help to prevent any legal challenges to the eviction and reduce the risk of liability for the property owner or management company.

4. Reduced risk of conflict and damage

The involvement of a Enforcement company can also reduce the risk of conflict and damage to property during the eviction process. Enforcement Officers are trained in conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques, which can help to prevent confrontations with occupants. They also have the necessary equipment and protective gear to ensure the safety of all parties involved in the eviction.

5. Cost-effective

Using a Enforcement company may be more cost-effective in the long run than relying on security officers alone. While the initial cost of hiring an Enforcement Officer company may be higher, the fact that they can carry out the eviction more quickly and efficiently can help to reduce losses and costs associated with the unlawful occupation of the site.

In conclusion, while security officers can play a valuable role in safeguarding properties, they may not be sufficient for traveller evictions. Using an Enforcement Officer company can provide the legal authority, expertise, and efficiency needed to manage the eviction process effectively and minimise potential risks and liabilities. If you are faced with a traveller eviction situation, it is advisable to consult with an Enforcement company to get the expert assistance you need.

If you require further assistance, or advice please feel free to right us on 0345 366 0000.

17/05/2023

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/use-handcuffs-security-sector-steve-wood