Crime and safety
Report an unauthorised encampment
Report an unauthorised encampment
Report an unauthorised encampment using our online form or call us on 01992 564000.
You can also call Essex Police on 101 unless there is an emergency in which case you should call 999.
If there is any criminal activity occurring from the occupiers of the site, or on this site, please report to Essex Police.
List of unauthorised encampments
Before making a new report, please check our list of reported unauthorised encampments. You do not need to tell us if it is already on the list.
Reported unauthorised encampments:
- Darby Drive, Waltham Abbey – Aware of the matter – Court date for possession fixed for 24 November 2020
What happens next?
We will attend and record the details of the encampment and make an assessment in relation to the use of relevant powers. Should the police attend, they will also assess if they are able to use their powers regarding the encampment.
Where an encampment is on private land we will liaise with the landowner and Essex Police to ensure any impact on local communities and the environment is kept to a minimum.
Options available to private landowners include proceedings for possession of land through the County Courts and the use of private bailiffs to secure land and remove trespassers.
If the travellers are camping on land that they own, this will be for our planning enforcement team to investigate.
Public register of licensed sites
We keep a public register of licensed sites and we have standard licence conditions for these sites.
More information
- Essex Police – in an emergency always dial 999
- GOV.UK – Dealing with illegal and unauthorised encampments
- Essex County Council – Gypsies and Travellers