SCHEDULES
SCHEDULE 5Powers of inspection, entry, search and seizure
Entry and search in connection with suspected offence
I1I2I3I43
1
If a justice of the peace is satisfied on sworn information or, in Northern Ireland, on a complaint on oath that there are reasonable grounds for believing—
a
that an offence under Part 1 or 2 is being, or has been, committed on any premises, and
b
that any of the conditions in sub-paragraph (2) is met in relation to the premises,
he may by signed warrant authorise a duly authorised person to enter the premises, if need be by force, and search them.
2
The conditions referred to are—
a
that entry to the premises has been, or is likely to be, refused and notice of the intention to apply for a warrant under this paragraph has been given to the occupier;
b
that the premises are unoccupied;
c
that the occupier is temporarily absent;
d
that an application for admission to the premises or the giving of notice of the intention to apply for a warrant under this paragraph would defeat the object of entry.
3
A warrant under this paragraph shall continue in force until the end of the period of 31 days beginning with the day on which it is issued.