Police: Powers of entry?

[Dry Rot]

Due to the police seizing my guns (yawn) for over a year, I now have a rabbit problem.

Last night I was out lamping on the quad. As the nights are quite light up here (north of Scotland) the rabbits were not very obligingly sitting for a rifle so I was using the shotgun.

Just after I had finished at around 11.30pm, I saw the lights of a car coming down my access road. It was a police car with one occupant. He did not call at the house (which he had to pass) but continued on to make a tour of my yard. He was a decent enough chap and explained that an anonymous complainer had phoned in to say he had been woken up by shooting. (One guess who that was!).

I went up to the police station next day to say that the police are not welcome (after the way I'd be treated over the guns) on my property and that it was not a crime to shoot rabbits at night. I was then told that the police have a duty to respond to complaints and, if my Landrover blocked access, they would "get around it". Interestingly, the officer claimed that his wages are not paid by the tax payer, but the government. When question about where the government got the money, I was told it was from "other sources". That's what I am dealing with!

I found this on the Citizens' Advice page and, bearing mind that the police refuse to investigate possible planning corruption ("That's a civil matter"), would be interested in comments. Yes, the police have a difficult job, but that doesn't justify a police state. They must always be open to scutiny.

Police powers to enter your home or other private property

In general the police do not have the right to enter a person’s house or other private premises without their permission. However, they can enter without a warrant:

• when in close pursuit of someone the police believe has committed, or attempted to commit, a serious crime, or
• to sort out a disturbance, or
• if they hear cries for help or of distress, or
• to enforce an arrest warrant.

 

[PSQ]

I'm sorry to have to say what is now 'Police Scotland' firearms section (and all the way to the top) are still trying to live down their part in the Dunblane massacre.

Their 'sensitivity' to firearms matters won't reduce in our lifetime, and the only way to deal with them is to play by their rules. I certainly wouldn't try to obstruct them, as you will only become known as a troublesome individual in their eyes. Best to stay off their radar, rather than triggering a draconian knee jerk reaction on their part.

As for your neighbour, been there too. Best to just ignore it and not get into a game of 'point scoring'. We only get one life, don't waste a minute of it worrying about someone else's 'issues'. Hatred can be all consuming.

And the noise of a shotgun at 11.30pm will carry for miles. Behave!

 

[Purli R]

Cant really disagree with the four points on the OP,But COMMON SENSE is in very short supply in general.

 

[milkloss]

Ring them to tell you plan on shooting. Less hassle for them, less hassle for you.

 

[Dry Rot]

Ring them to tell you plan on shooting. Less hassle for them, less hassle for you.

That is what has been agreed, though it sounds as if it might be more fun just to go ahead anyway!

Unfortunately, I have a very low tolerance towards stupidity! As regards being a trouble maker, I've probably got that label already!

The thing is, haven't we oldies got a duty to speak out when the children are naughty or silly? I've been subjected to pressures through work, society, etc. all my life and suddenly realise they really can't do much to me any more! The one advantage of old age is that we really don't care!

 

[Pilgrimmick]

Sorry to hear that the clown are still in charge of the circus. But that is police Scotland to a tee.
Their powers of entry are as stated, but looking around your yard would not come within them.
But you will just have to put up with it as unlike the rest of the UK there is no independent body to complain to.
The PIRC is worthless and not independent
Just have to hope that they find someone else who is more fun to bully.
PS if I sound bitter and twisted, it's because I am.

 

[Deereone]

So, you'll be phoning your neighbour at midnight every night for the next two weeks to let him know that you may shooting?

 

[milkloss]

Should stop shooting at a sensible time really. Half eleven is fair I feel as it's turn out time at the pub!

 

[Pilgrimmick]

Light much later up North and far fewer people about, shooting is common late at night.

 

[RagnarHairybreeks]

Perhaps get a Mossberg Stealth

http://www.gunmart.net/gun-reviews/shotguns/semi-pump-shotgun/mossberg-500-stealth

to keep the noise down a bit? You can now get reasonably effective aftermarket moderators too;

https://foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com/check-out-this-shotgun-silencer-that-actually-works-1609788825

 

[Dry Rot]

So, you'll be phoning your neighbour at midnight every night for the next two weeks to let him know that you may shooting?

Stop putting ideals into my head!

No, it's 101 they want me to phone. I did so this morning stating that I'd be shooting every night from now until September but apparently that's not good enough. I have to phone before going out every time giving an approximate time of departure.

Apparently no need to report when I arrive home. Should be fun. I usually do a quick circuit, then wait an hour or so and repeat. I wonder how long it takes a person to get back to sleep again? And will plod still come down and check?

 

[milkloss]

Stop putting ideals into my head!

No, it's 101 they want me to phone. I did so this morning stating that I'd be shooting every night from now until September but apparently that's not good enough. I have to phone before going out every time giving an approximate time of departure.

Apparently no need to report when I arrive home. Should be fun. I usually do a quick circuit, then wait an hour or so and repeat. I wonder how long it takes a person to get back to sleep again? And will plod still come down and check?

I know you you've had grief over your tickets and it sounds like you didn't really get fair treatment but I have to say this: it really sounds like you are going out of your way to wind both the police and your neighbours up as best you can. As a shooting man myself I don't agree with you on this one, it tars the rest of us with the same brush.

 

[Dry Rot]

I know you you've had grief over your tickets and it sounds like you didn't really get fair treatment but I have to say this: it really sounds like you are going out of your way to wind both the police and your neighbours up as best you can. As a shooting man myself I don't agree with you on this one, it tars the rest of us with the same brush.

I treat people as they treat me. Maybe next time they will go after a nice guy like you and leave me alone.

There was a sign on the lion's cage in the Paris zoo in the 1890's. "This animal is very wicked. When attacked, it defends itself".

 

[Old Boar]

You can put up a notice saying something along the lines of "there is no implied access to this property" and under an amount you will charge for anyone tresspassing, but as it is a farm and you will probably have deliveries etc, it is difficult.

 

[Kidds]

I don't care how much you pee off your neighbour or the police for that matter but don't let this stuff rule your life.

 

[Bwcho]

Yawn indeed

 

[Dry Rot]

It would be nice if the authorities at least knew the laws that they were claiming to apply. Then they would get respect. When they don't, it smells of corruption.

 

[Grouse]

Be careful they don't classify you as the mad old man with a gun - or they WILL go out of their way to get you and WILL get even.

Personally I would rather keep off their radar - the old saying springs to mind - if you stick your head over the parapet it will get shot sooner or later.

 

[Deereone]

If nobody stands up for themselves...........



First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

 

[Dry Rot]

I am deaf and claim protection of the 2010 Equality Act. That requires the authorities to make reasonable provision for my disability. In short, I have plenty of evidence in writing of what has being going on.

I am also a member of The Society of Authors, a part time journalist, publisher, and film maker. My story will be published in due course. Both the actions of the police and the planning authorities involve matters of public interest and questions need to be asked.

I have been here before. Some people are surprised at what a single voice can achieve. I have got laws changed and civil servants sacked. I've taken on organisations like British Airways and The Kennel Cub -- and won.

No one should ever be put off speaking out against injustice. We may not always win, but at least they know that we exist. The one thing they do not like is publicity.