Getting Inside
Often this will be the easiest part. Most squattable buildings have been left empty for some time and have broken or unlocked windows and doors. Often the owner has deliberately damaged the house to ward off potential squatters. People may have been inside and stripped the place of its fittings for resale, or homeless people and runaway kids may have at some time used the place to sleep. If so, they may have already opened one of the windows or doorways and saved you from a lot of work.
Noisy entry work may attract attention so attempt it at inconspicuous times, such as during a weekday. People are much more wary of noise at night. Try and stay calm. Dressing in overalls or work uniform (or a suit!) may attract less attention and keep you focused on the task at hand. If you think someone is watching you or might suspect your motives it is probably best to leave, remove any tools from you and the building, and come back another time.
First, check the obvious access points: doors, windows, skylights and holes covered by board or tin. If the place seems fairly secure, then you will need to get a bit more tricky.
Windows
Louvre (slat) windows usually can be pulled easily out of their frames. Old-style windows with rotating latches may be opened by slipping the latches with a knife. Some newer-type sliding windows can be pulled out of their frames — try pushing the window up in its frame. If all else fails you may have to break a window — make sure you clean up afterwards and repair the window as soon as possible.
Doors
Ordinary Lockwood door latches can be overcome with a crowbar and a screwdriver. Deadlocks are a bit more difficult, but not impossible. You may need two or three people, a crowbar and/or screwdrivers. Jemmy the door from the doorway and use screwdrivers to force the lock tongue and the deadlock button back into the lock (be careful of glass panels!)
Roofs
Roofs are another access option. Ideally, have someone as a lookout when getting into a place this way. Once you are up on the roof, remove a few tiles and enter the building through the ceiling hatch.
If You Are Caught
You can be charged with Break and Enter if the police catch you in the process of entering the building — especially if you have tools on you. If you do get arrested and charged with Break and Enter, don’t tell the police anything (apart from a name) until you get legal advice (see Chapter 8, Important Legal Stuff).