Interference with Property
Interference with property covers all forms of property, including residential premises, private vehicles and personal possessions.
Warrants can be sought for covert interference with property by the Intelligence Services under Section 5 of the Intelligence Services Act 1994 and by a police force, NCIS, NCS or HMC&E under Part III of the Police Act 1997.
As intrusive surveillance often involves interference with property, combined warrants may be issued in some cases, which authorise both activities in one document.
Property warrants are only issued under the same circumstances and for the same reasons as intrusive surveillance warrants. They must meet the same criteria of necessity and proportionality and go through the same authorisation processes.
You can complain to the Tribunal if you believe any of these organisations have interfered with your property:
- Any UK Police Force, including PSNI and the police forces of HM Forces
- Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA)
- HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)
- Any of the Intelligence Services (MI5, MI6, GCHQ)
- The Ministry of Defence Police
- British Transport Police
