The Prime Minister is being called on to extend the squatting law to cover commercial properties as well as homes.

Last year a new law was passed which made it a criminal offence to squat in residential properties.

In a letter to David Cameron, Mike Weatherley, Conservative MP for Hove, wrote: “While the law has been a tremendous success, the consequence has been that squatters are now deliberately targeting commercial properties.

“A salient example of this was seen within my own constituency just two months after the law had come into effect when a bunch of squatters broke into a former school that was just about to be let as a refurbished office suite.

“The squatters caused significant misery and distress and left an appalling mess after themselves.”

Mr Weatherley added: “The new law criminalising squatting in residential properties has been a fantastic deterrent against these bone idol layabouts.

“However commercial properties are now routinely targeted by squatters, so it is imperative that the law is extended so that all properties are protected.”

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