The Metropolitan police say that most
buildings that squatters live in have been
abandoned or are
otherwise empty, but still such sensible actions, to use an empty usually industrial
building to sleep in, are deemed criminal.
Don't enter people's yards without their permission (and especially don't enter a gated property; guard dogs will attack you or you could cause the escape of another dog and compound your problems); don't let yourself get surprised; if you can bring mace, do so; don't enter
abandoned buildings alone; don't wear clothes that make you look like you are not part of the neighborhood or rich or
otherwise; walk like you know what you are doing
otherwise your vulnerable attitude will be picked up by criminal types; don't enter caves or holes without proper procedures, be sure to use assistants, and use proper gear such as ropes and other things that cave explorers or utility workers would use; park your car in a lighted place, remove visible valuables, lock up and take your keys; be wary of sexual approaches — predators will try to engage you in conversations or try to touch you; and trust your gut when it says you need to get out of there.