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(1)Where upon a sworn complaint in writing it appears to any justice of the peace that there are reasonable grounds for believing that a breach of the provisions of this Act or any regulation F1. . . made thereunder has been committed within any enclosed garden or any dwelling house or the curtilage thereof, he may by warrant under his hand empower an authorised person to enter that garden or dwelling house or the curtilage thereof[F2 if need be using such force as is reasonable in the circumstances].
(2)A warrant under this section shall not continue in force for more than seven days from the date thereof[F2 and may, except where a specific time for execution is mentioned in the warrant, be executed at any reasonable time].
[F2(3)A person authorised to enter premises by virtue of a warrant issued under this section—
(a)may take with him such other authorised persons and such equipment he considers may be necessary; and
(b)shall, on leaving any unoccupied premises which he has entered by virtue of such a warrant, leave them as effectually secured against trespassers as he found them.
(4)In this section “authorised person” does not include a private water bailiff.]
F1Words in s. 173(1) repealed (1.6.2009) by Public Authorities (Reform) Act (Northern Ireland) 2009 (c. 3), ss. 1(3)(b), 6, 7(1), Sch. 1 Pt. 2 para. 3(32), Sch. 3 (with Sch. 1 Pt. 1 para. 4(3)); S.R. 2009/172, art. 2(b)(e)