Closed petition Create a specific crime of trespassing on a construction site

Closed on 30 May 2024

It has previously been estimated that theft costs the UK construction industry hundreds of millions a year. Trespass is not a specific offence, so unless a trespasser is caught for a related offence it is impossible to bring a conviction against people discovered on site. We want this to change.

Entering a construction site out of hours is often a preparatory act for theft. The nature of construction sites mean that catching a suspect and finding them with stolen items on their person or other incriminating items can be extremely difficult. We want trespassing on a construction site to be made a specific offence, to make it clear that this is a crime, and make it easier for police and the criminal justice system to tackle would be thieves.