SCHEDULES

SCHEDULE 5Powers of entry and search etc

Entering and searching premises

I15

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.