Entering and searching premises
5(1)Where the occupier of the premises to be entered and searched is present at the time when an authorised person seeks to execute a search warrant, the authorised person must—
(a)identify himself or herself to the occupier,
(b)produce to the occupier documentary evidence that he or she is an authorised person,
(c)produce the search warrant to the occupier, and
(d)supply the occupier with a certified copy of it.
(2)Where the occupier of the premises is not present at the time when an authorised person seeks to execute a search warrant—
(a)if another person who appears to the authorised person to be in charge of the premises is present, sub-paragraph (1) has effect as if references to the occupier were references to the other person;
(b)if there is no such person present, the authorised person must leave a certified copy of the warrant in a prominent place on the premises.
(3)An authorised person who enters premises under a search warrant must take reasonable steps to ensure that, when the authorised person leaves the premises, they are as secure as they were before the authorised person entered them.
(4)Entry and search under a search warrant may not take place after the end of the period of one month beginning with the date on which it is issued.