LONDON - The colorful poster at number 52 Lancaster Street is calling upon "all the squatters from everywhere." And they come in dribs and drabs: girls with tangled hair in dreadlocks, young people in tweed jacket, unemployed adults and Eastern European immigrants. They took possession of homes in the millions of London's most exclusive neighborhoods and get away with leaving the unfortunate owners incredulous.
Last but not least the former husband of Madonna, Guy Ritchie. The law of England and Wales does not consider a crime, the illegal occupation. Just find an open window or avoid being caught in the act during the recess and then immediately disguised. After you just do not leave the house empty, the owner wanted to re-enter that threatens fines and jail "until there is someone else inside." A paradox of legislation that has made England and London in particular, the squatters' paradise.
This Sunday afternoon we meet to "discuss, plan and improve" their strategies for the third time in three months. But this time some face betrays the tension. The Sunday Telegraph has launched the "Stop the squatters." Support not only the owners frightened by the idea of finding the house invaded after a short vacation, but also MPs.
They want the law to comply with the Scottish English that includes fines and imprisonment. "Right now it is all too easy to fill," says the conservative Weatherley. "It is simply asked to leave the house without suffering penalties or be discouraged from it again." That's what happened to the anarchists' Really Free School "movement was officially against the school reform by Michael Gove.
On January 18, caught them in Bloomsbury Square in a commercial property of the thirteenth century. Peter Nahum, art dealer, had bought in September for 2 million pounds and was waiting for permission to convert into a dwelling. He discovered that he could not retake possession of less than 5 thousand pounds fine and six months in jail, until he had proved in court to be its rightful owner.
Only then scored an "IPO" order of possession, against "persons unknown". The unknowns are dislodged, but they have not Nahum compensation or legal costs or damages. Rather they targeted another house, that of Guy Ritchie in Fitzroy Square. Be clear also from there, moved in a pub near Oxford Street and moved on Thursday, after yet another IPO, near Leicester Square.
To assist during the litigation - there are about 10 per week - the Advisory Service for Squatters (Ass), apart from giving legal advice, distributes a booklet full of advice and tips. Not only that. In his office in East London you can find a bulletin board plastered with ads for "Empties," as they called in the jargon, empty buildings.
Others are on the Internet with over 16 thousand registered forum or on Twitter. No wonder then, that the squatters in London come from afar. As Jason, 21 years traveled by hitchhiking from Latvia so far because a friend had spoken of the "legal protection" guaranteed to squatters in England.
Today he lives with 30 people in a Victorian house at Highgate between the homes of Sting and Jude Law. "We received orders to evacuate - he says - but we've already spotted other places to go. At least until the legislation will not change." 
Last but not least the former husband of Madonna, Guy Ritchie. The law of England and Wales does not consider a crime, the illegal occupation. Just find an open window or avoid being caught in the act during the recess and then immediately disguised. After you just do not leave the house empty, the owner wanted to re-enter that threatens fines and jail "until there is someone else inside." A paradox of legislation that has made England and London in particular, the squatters' paradise.
This Sunday afternoon we meet to "discuss, plan and improve" their strategies for the third time in three months. But this time some face betrays the tension. The Sunday Telegraph has launched the "Stop the squatters." Support not only the owners frightened by the idea of finding the house invaded after a short vacation, but also MPs.
They want the law to comply with the Scottish English that includes fines and imprisonment. "Right now it is all too easy to fill," says the conservative Weatherley. "It is simply asked to leave the house without suffering penalties or be discouraged from it again." That's what happened to the anarchists' Really Free School "movement was officially against the school reform by Michael Gove.
On January 18, caught them in Bloomsbury Square in a commercial property of the thirteenth century. Peter Nahum, art dealer, had bought in September for 2 million pounds and was waiting for permission to convert into a dwelling. He discovered that he could not retake possession of less than 5 thousand pounds fine and six months in jail, until he had proved in court to be its rightful owner.
Only then scored an "IPO" order of possession, against "persons unknown". The unknowns are dislodged, but they have not Nahum compensation or legal costs or damages. Rather they targeted another house, that of Guy Ritchie in Fitzroy Square. Be clear also from there, moved in a pub near Oxford Street and moved on Thursday, after yet another IPO, near Leicester Square.
To assist during the litigation - there are about 10 per week - the Advisory Service for Squatters (Ass), apart from giving legal advice, distributes a booklet full of advice and tips. Not only that. In his office in East London you can find a bulletin board plastered with ads for "Empties," as they called in the jargon, empty buildings.
Others are on the Internet with over 16 thousand registered forum or on Twitter. No wonder then, that the squatters in London come from afar. As Jason, 21 years traveled by hitchhiking from Latvia so far because a friend had spoken of the "legal protection" guaranteed to squatters in England.
Today he lives with 30 people in a Victorian house at Highgate between the homes of Sting and Jude Law. "We received orders to evacuate - he says - but we've already spotted other places to go. At least until the legislation will not change."
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