Q: Someone broke into my shop, changed the locks, can I break into my own shop?
They are staying in a trailer next to my shop on my property. I just started the eviction process. They broke into my shop, switched the door and padlocked it and started filling it with their belongings. They never had any permission by me to enter my shop and they never bothered to ask for permission. Can I remove the padlock and regain access to my shop and remove their belongings?
A: Call the local police immediately. You describe behavior that constitutes Burglary, Theft, Criminal Mischief and Trespassing. If verified, the police should arrest them. You will then be able to re-enter your shop, and remove their property since it has nothing to do with the eviction process. I am sure the judge presiding in that case will not be amused nor impressed.
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