It’s taken a long time for Harry Snook’s 2007 report “Crossing the Threshold” to come to my attention. Snook’s report amongst other things lists the 266 ways officials can enter your home.

As well as the expect Firemen fighting a fire, there’s the bizarre, like the Hypnotism Act 1952 where a Constable may enter any premises where entertainments are being held if reason to believe any offences against the Act are being or may be committed there – the constable doesn’t even need a warrant. Still whilst amusing consider the case of David Houghton and Abby Simpson as reported in The Guardian.

Whilst they were on holiday, someone broke into their home – and all they took was their old gas meter. British Gas, they discovered, had hired a locksmith to gain entry to their flat in north London and changed their old meter to a pay-as-you-go version, because the company – mistakenly – believed the couple owed them money.

Check out Snook’s report and see just how many officials have a right of entry to your home, without notice or a warrant many for surprisingly trivial matters.