Entering house with a key

[Katiefam]

This is a random one…. My kids are 15, three girl friends of theirs became bullies and they all fell out. We have a spare key that they knew about. When we were out, these girls let themselves in and spent the day sunbathing in our garden. We came home and 2 ran and one stayed as I questioned what was going on…

they didn’t break and enter, but is this trespassing ?

thanks

[echat11]

It's a difficult one, because they knew where the key was (but that doesn't give them permission). I assume previously they had been allowed to enter the house and didn't need permission from you.

If they needed permission then it would be 'trespass'. But it's 'really odd behaviour', trespass to sunbathe, why couldn't they do that in the park?

Await further posts.

[Katiefam]

Thank you for your response. No, they absolutely don’t have permission. They knew where we kept the key and decided to use it. They were literally sunbathing and eating our food, you couldn’t make it up!

[atticus]

Change your arrangements for this key.

Consider whether to change the lock.

Yes, it is trespass. Are you planning to sue?

[DE DOGS]

Change your arrangements for this key.

Consider whether to change the lock.

Yes, it is trespass. Are you planning to sue?

We had a similar event with a family member. As advised by Atticus, CHANGE the lock, as I did, 15 years olds let it go. DONT LEAVE KEYS IN PLACES WHERE BURGLARS WILL FIND THEM

[Katiefam]

Thanks all. Keys gone!

[atticus]

Just to add, your insurance company would not have been impressed if anything had been stolen.

[dslippy]

Entering as a trespasser + stealing food = burglary.