Forcing entry
If a sheriff officer has permission from the court to enter a home or workplace but is denied entry, they are allowed to use ‘necessary reasonable force’ to gain access.
1 This includes:
•forcing open a door;
•breaking a lock;
•breaking a window.
If someone tries to stop the sheriff officer from entering a house or workplace, they could be charged with breach of the peace.
If no one is at home or at the workplace when a sheriff officer visits, they can only force entry if they are:
•carrying out an eviction; or
•making sure certain work has been carried out; or
•getting back property.