PART 3Enforcement
Warrant9
1
If a justice of the peace, on sworn information in writing, or in Scotland by evidence on oath, or in Northern Ireland on a sworn complaint in writing, is satisfied—
a
that there are reasonable grounds to enter any premises for the purposes of executing or enforcing the European Regulations or these Regulations; and
b
that any of the conditions in paragraph (2) are met,
the justice may by signed warrant authorise the authorised officer to enter the premises, if need be by reasonable force.
2
The conditions are that—
a
admission to the premises has been refused, or a refusal is expected, and (in either case) notice of the intention to apply for a warrant has been given to the occupier;
b
asking for admission to the premises, or the giving of such notice, would defeat the object of the entry;
c
entry is required urgently; or
d
the premises are unoccupied or the occupier is temporarily absent.
3
A warrant is valid for three months.
4
An authorised officer entering any premises which are unoccupied or from which the occupier is temporarily absent must leave them as effectively secured against unauthorised entry as they were before entry.
5
In this regulation, a reference to a justice of the peace—
a
in Scotland includes a sheriff; and
b
in Northern Ireland is a reference to a lay magistrate.